Did you know that anxiety can also affect your attention span? Researchers have found that there is a link between these conditions.  

If you have anxiety, then you’re more likely to have attention disorders.

Researchers believe there is a brain connection between them. Initial studies on teens reveal that they’re more likely to have both issues together.

If you have anxiety or trouble concentrating, consider these discoveries:

The link between anxiety and attention

Researchers at the University of Texas discovered that your anxiety and attention span are linked.  

• They found that teens who have anxiety are also more likely to perform worse in school because of attention issues. They also saw a connection between anxiety and other mental health issues like depression and suicide. 

• Researchers shared that in some cases anxiety appeared first while in other cases attention span issues appeared first. Recognizing the first issue can help families deal with the second one. 

• Teens who had issues concentrating were also more likely to have anxiety. Experts believe there is a deeper reason for this in the brain. 

Unconscious anxiety

Medical experts believe unconscious anxiety can explain some cases of attention deficit disorders. 

• Unconscious anxiety occurs when you don’t recognize you’re actually suffering from worry and concern. You have trouble concentrating, so you blame it on your poor attention span. However, in reality, your unconscious anxiety is actually preventing you from being able to focus. 

• The root of this anxiety can be buried among deeper emotional issues.

Overlapping symptoms

The symptoms of anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can overlap. The shared symptoms can include having trouble concentrating and focusing on one task. They can also include not having control over your impulses, being irritable, feeling scared and being afraid to try new things. 

• It’s not always easy to tell apart anxiety and attention disorders. 

Treatment and help

If you or someone you care about has anxiety and attention issues, seeking help may bring real benefits.  

• Treatment options can include medication to control anxiety and help attention spans. 

• Another treatment option is therapy that helps adjust behavior. 

• Meditation and relaxation are also commonly used to help with both disorders. 

The role of learning disabilities

It’s important to avoid overlooking learning disabilities that can exacerbate anxiety and attention issues.  Researchers have noticed that all three issues can occur together.

• In some cases, learning disabilities are not caught right away as a child starts school. Children are sometimes able to compensate for their learning disabilities, so the issues go undiagnosed.

• However, anxiety and attention disorders can be worse in children with learning disabilities. By focusing on the learning issues, these kids have the chance to succeed in school and reduce their anxiety.

• A child with a learning disability can feel anxious before every test or quiz in school and try to avoid classes. In addition, the same child can be so stressed out that they’re unable to concentrate on the simplest tasks. The learning disability makes these issues stronger and more difficult to treat. 

• It’s important to note that kids aren’t the only ones who suffer from all three conditions. Adults can spend years being misdiagnosed or not getting the proper treatments.  

Anxiety and attention issues can appear together. If you or a loved one suffers from these issues, current research can help you understand what is happening in the brain and seek treatment that can help. Contact me if you or someone you care about struggles with anxiety, learning or attention span issues to find out how anxiety therapy can help.