In a strict sense, there is no direct connection between ADHD medications and children with anxiety. People tend to associate these two because both are related to ADHD. For those who are wondering, ADHD is an abbreviation for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a behavioral disorder commonly found with school-age children, and recent reports show an amazing 8% - 10% affecting rate. The common symptoms of ADHD include being hyperactive and extreme lack of attention and focus. It is not hard to conclude that children with ADHD will have trouble achieving goals, even if they understand what should be done.

Despite its seemingly obvious symptoms, diagnosis of ADHD is not as easy as many would believe. This is because about two thirds of the children with ADHD also suffer other medical conditions the same time, and some of the common coexisting conditions include anxiety disorder, ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) and CD (Conduct Disorder), mood disorder, and learning disabilities. Now, it is not difficult to understand the association between ADHD and anxiety - they often go side by side!

In fact, anxiety disorders are found with about one quarter of children with ADHD. There are both mental and physical symptoms, such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty in concentration, irritability, insomnia, excessive worry, fear, heart racing, sweating, stomach pains, and diarrhea. Others may even develop OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) and Tourette syndrome, as well as motor or vocal tics (movements or sounds that are repeated over and over).

In diagnosing ADHD with anxiety conditions, doctors usually will inquire into the complete medical history of the child, use their own observation, and conduct an interview with parents. At the moment, ADHD cannot be completely healed but can be successfully managed through a combination of medications and behavior therapies. The anxiety condition is also highly treatable with the use of counseling coupled with medications. In both situations, early treatment may help prevent future mental health problems, including suicide attempts.

There are several types of ADHD medications, such as stimulants, non-stimulantsand anti-depressants. All of them have established effectiveness, but none is totally free in side-effects although there is currently no evidence of any long-term ones. The same can be said for medications for children's anxiety, but of course the two medications cannot be used interchangeably.

Behavior therapy is another effective means to treat ADHD and children's anxiety. With that method, the doctors try to adjust the behavior of affected children by making right changes to their home and school environment, improving their organisational skill, and setting up an appropriate reward and punish system.

Needless to say, the parents' involvement is essential in executing the behavior therapy. Being the closest ones to the affected children, parents can help their kids by creating a routine, help organise, limit distractions, establish goal, rewards and confidence. As such, parent training is often an important part of the treatment program.

Admittedly, adults are not the only ones who are struggling with mental disorders. In fact, teenagers are arguably more susceptible to anxiety and panic attacks, given the stress of schooling, concerns about popularity and academic achievement, as well as the fact that their mind is constantly learning and changing. Fortunately, ADHD can be effectively managed with behavioral therapy and ADHD medications, and children with anxiety can also be successfully treated with the same combination of treating methods. It is important to understand that neither ADHD nor children's anxiety is caused by poor parenting, and the exact support from the loving ones can be essential to determine the success of treatment.