ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and anxiety disorders are two of the most common psychiatric conditions, often co-existing in the same individuals. The relationship between these disorders is complex and multifactorial in nature. The biopsychosocial model postulates that biological, psychological, and social factors all play a significant role in human functioning in the context of disease or illness, which includes these disorders. Evidence suggests that ADHD can predispose individuals to anxiety, and vice versa. However, the causality sequences, as explored in the literature remains limited. It is possible that ADHD symptomology causes anxiety, or the genetics behind ADHD causes anxiety symptoms. Current research has adopted a more complex, nuanced understanding of both disorders, acknowledging the unique interactions of biological, psychological, and social factors, and large datasets (e.g., Dunedin datasets) may help with developing a stronger causality sequence. It’s also noteworthy that severe anxiety can look like ADHD, but the treatment is totally different, as ADHD meds (Stimulants) can make anxiety worse.

The goal of this research topic is to advance understanding of the interconnectedness of ADHD and anxiety through a biopsychosocial lens. Our main question is this: does ADHD lead to anxiety symptoms because of the interplay between ADHD and environment, or is it that genetically, ADHD itself is linked to anxiety? Therefore, we aim to encourage psychiatrists and researchers to transcend traditional pathophysiological parameters and incorporate more comprehensive perspectives in their approach to understanding the causes, and therefore, treatments in this space. Using recent advances in neuroscience, clinical psychology, genetic psychiatry, and social psychiatry can provide crucial insights into the intricate link, as well as differences, between these disorders. The topic mainly intends to promote multidisciplinary collaborations between researchers/practitioners who focus on ADHD and anxiety.

All papers in this topic must include a discussion on ADHD and Anxiety. We will consider works that focus on symptoms of each and how they are linked, but preference will be given to papers that focus on ADHD and anxiety together.

Research using longitudinal methods or retrospective analysis is especially welcome. We welcome analysis based on various types of data, including experimental data such as GWAS data, expression data, and sequencing data, as well as clinical and therapeutic implications data. If authors are interested, we can also provide guidance on accessing large open datasets that may support their research objectives.

Research on treating both conditions at the same time will be considered, especially if accompanied by a discussion on what this means for causality.

Research exploring the variance in pathology between ADHD and anxiety is encouraged, particularly focusing on discerning treatment disparities between these two conditions.

We will consider the following paper types:

Original research

Systematic review

Brief research report

Review

Community case study

Registered Report

Study Protocol

Mini Review

Perspective

Clinical Trial

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Frontiers in Psychiatry

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