Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) are two distinct conditions that often co-occur, with studies showing that around30–70%of individuals with ADHD also have SAD. This high comorbidity rate highlights the importance of understanding both disorders and their interplay.
While these disorders are different, they can share some overlapping symptoms and challenges, particularly in social settings. The presence of both conditions can exacerbate difficulties in daily functioning and quality of life.
This article explores the relationship between ADHD and SAD, their similarities and differences, and approaches to managing both conditions effectively.
Understanding the nuances of how ADHD and SAD interact is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment, as symptoms of one disorder can sometimes mask or complicate the presentation of the other.
By examining these conditions together, we can gain valuable insights into their combined impact and develop more effective strategies for support and intervention.
ADHD and SAD similarities
Although ADHD and SAD are two distinct disorders, there are many ways in which their signs can overlap:
Coexisting ADHD and SAD
Someone with both ADHD and social anxiety disorder may experience conflicting impulses and struggles. Their ADHD might drive them to seek stimulation and social interaction, while social anxiety simultaneously makes them fear judgment and scrutiny.
In social situations, they may fidget or talk excessively due to ADHD, then become hyper-aware and self-conscious about these behaviors.
Planning social events may be challenging – forgetting details due to ADHD, then obsessing over potential social mishaps.
This combination can lead to isolation, as the person yearns for connection but finds social situations exhausting and stressful.
ADHD Vs SAD
It can be difficult for those diagnosing these disorders to differentiate between ADHD and SAD. The symptoms of ADHD are different from those of SAD or any other type of anxiety.
ADHD symptoms primarily involve issues with focus and concentration. Anxiety symptoms, on the other hand, involve issues with nervousness and fear.
Those with anxiety are likely to experience physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, blushing, and muscle tension, while those with ADHD will likely have poorer time management, forgetfulness, and difficulty regulating their emotions.
SAD can cause someone to be unable to concentrate in social situations that cause them to feel anxious, whereas those with ADHD may find it difficult to concentrate most of the time in any situation.
A key to understanding the difference between the two is to look at the type of thoughts that occur for the individual.
Those who have SAD are likely to have thoughts about being judged, worrying that they will make a mistake, or being anxious about an upcoming social interaction.
Those with ADHD, however, are likely to have thoughts about many different subjects and find they cannot concentrate on one thought for too long before moving on to something else.
Can ADHD be Misdiagnosed as SAD?
There are several ways in which ADHD can be misdiagnosed as SAD, including:
Overlap in symptoms
Since ADHD and SAD share several common symptoms, including difficulty with attention and concentration, restlessness, and irritability, these symptoms can make it difficult to differentiate between the two disorders, leading to a misdiagnosis.
Focus on anxiety
Clinicians may focus on anxiety symptoms, such as fear of social situations or avoidance of social interactions, and overlook other symptoms of ADHD, such as impulsivity or hyperactivity. This can result in a diagnosis of SAD, even if ADHD is the underlying issue.
Social avoidance
People with ADHD may avoid social situations due to difficulties with social skills, leading clinicians to believe that the individual has SAD. However, in ADHD, social difficulties may arise from impulsivity or poor social skills rather than anxiety.
Masking
Masking in ADHDrefers to the conscious or subconscious efforts of individuals to hide or suppress their symptoms to conform to social expectations or avoid negative judgments.
Individuals with ADHD may learn to mask their symptoms, especially if they have not been diagnosed and treated. This can make it even harder for clinicians to identify ADHD, as the individual may appear to be anxious or shy rather than displaying typical ADHD symptoms.
How can ADHD and SAD be treated together?
Treatment for co-occurring ADHDandSADtypically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy, tailored to address symptoms of both conditions.
Medications:
Psychotherapy:
The treatment approach should be personalized, considering the severity and impact of each condition on the individual’s life.
Managing ADHD and SAD
Below are some tips for helping someone manage both ADHD and SAD together:
Those with ADHD and comorbid SAD are likely to be very self-critical. Try to limit negative self-talk as much as possible.You could come up with phrases you can say to reassure yourself, even writing these down and placing them in a spot that is within sight every day to remind yourself.If you are finding your negative self-talk is getting hard to control, this can be something to talk to a doctor or therapist about.
Those with ADHD and comorbid SAD are likely to be very self-critical. Try to limit negative self-talk as much as possible.
You could come up with phrases you can say to reassure yourself, even writing these down and placing them in a spot that is within sight every day to remind yourself.
If you are finding your negative self-talk is getting hard to control, this can be something to talk to a doctor or therapist about.
Try to think about what one thing you want to change that is the biggest struggle right now.Focus on this one goal to fully work on until you feel you have achieved what you set out to achieve in this area. It can be helpful to look for easy wins that can build self-esteem and a sense of security.
Try to think about what one thing you want to change that is the biggest struggle right now.
Focus on this one goal to fully work on until you feel you have achieved what you set out to achieve in this area. It can be helpful to look for easy wins that can build self-esteem and a sense of security.
Keeping a journal can be a good way of keeping track of feelings and emotions and any progress you have made.As people with ADHD and SAD can have a lot of fleeting and various thoughts, it can be good to get everything written down in a journal to help manage these thoughts and clear the mind.A journal is only for the purpose of the individual, so there is no wrong way to do it. It can also be useful to help you pinpoint things you may want to discuss with the doctor or therapist.
Keeping a journal can be a good way of keeping track of feelings and emotions and any progress you have made.
As people with ADHD and SAD can have a lot of fleeting and various thoughts, it can be good to get everything written down in a journal to help manage these thoughts and clear the mind.
A journal is only for the purpose of the individual, so there is no wrong way to do it. It can also be useful to help you pinpoint things you may want to discuss with the doctor or therapist.
Those who have comorbid ADHD and SAD may find they get into spirals of anxiety or have racing thoughts. When anxious, breathing becomes shallow, among other physical sensations being triggered.Completing some relaxation exercises such as meditation, mindfulness, or deep breathing can help to bring down the anxious symptoms.Using these relaxation techniques can help you to slow down and keep you in the present moment instead of worrying about what needs to be done or focusing on future events.
Those who have comorbid ADHD and SAD may find they get into spirals of anxiety or have racing thoughts. When anxious, breathing becomes shallow, among other physical sensations being triggered.
Completing some relaxation exercises such as meditation, mindfulness, or deep breathing can help to bring down the anxious symptoms.
Using these relaxation techniques can help you to slow down and keep you in the present moment instead of worrying about what needs to be done or focusing on future events.
While socializing is important, it can be overwhelming when you have both ADHD and social anxiety. Start with small, manageable social interactions:Begin with low-pressure situations, like texting or online chats with trusted friends.Gradually progress to short, structured in-person meetings (e.g., grabbing a coffee for 30 minutes).Use your ADHD strengths: If you tend to hyperfocus on interests, join groups or clubs related to your hobbies.Prepare conversation topics in advance to ease anxiety and help maintain focus.Set a time limit for social events to prevent overstimulation and anxiety build-up.Have an exit strategy ready, but challenge yourself to stay a little longer each time.After socializing, allow yourself decompression time to process and recharge.
While socializing is important, it can be overwhelming when you have both ADHD and social anxiety. Start with small, manageable social interactions:
People with ADHD can have difficulty making and maintaining friendships, sometimes due to their social behavior, such as being impulsive in conversations which can be frustrating for others.With comorbid SAD, they can become overwhelmed and fearful in social situations. Confiding in those around you about your struggles can help others understand your condition and support you in overcoming some of your obstacles.
People with ADHD can have difficulty making and maintaining friendships, sometimes due to their social behavior, such as being impulsive in conversations which can be frustrating for others.
With comorbid SAD, they can become overwhelmed and fearful in social situations. Confiding in those around you about your struggles can help others understand your condition and support you in overcoming some of your obstacles.
Exercise may be effective at helping to reduce anxiety and help calm down a lot of racing thoughts.Exercise can also help those with ADHD to focus on one task at a time and put a lot of their restless energy into doing something which is also good for their health.
Exercise may be effective at helping to reduce anxiety and help calm down a lot of racing thoughts.
Exercise can also help those with ADHD to focus on one task at a time and put a lot of their restless energy into doing something which is also good for their health.
For instance, someone who fears public speaking could prepare notes and practice their presentation to help them feel less anxious speaking in front of others.
Click here to learn more about coping with ADHD.
FAQs
Why do ADHD and SAD occur together?ADHD and SAD often co-occur, though the exact reasons are unclear. ADHD symptoms like impulsivity and inattention can lead to social difficulties, potentially triggering SAD.People with ADHD may face increased risks of bullying or social rejection, prompting withdrawal from social situations and potentially developing SAD.Research suggeststhat those with both ADHD and SAD report higher rates of emotionally traumatic experiences compared to those with SAD alone, indicating that trauma may contribute to the co-occurrence of these conditions.The social challenges and performance anxiety associated with ADHD can also lead to low self-esteem and anxiety, potentially exacerbating or triggering SAD symptoms.Can ADHD cause SAD?ADHD, especially untreated, can lead to an exacerbation of symptoms, causing problems in daily life and potentially triggering comorbid conditions such as SAD.When ADHD is left untreated, the person’s impulsivity may cause issues that can create overwhelming feelings, leading to anxiety.Lack of understanding and social rejection from others due to ADHD symptoms may also contribute to social isolation and nervousness in social situations, potentially leading to SAD.Furthermore, untreated ADHD has been associated with an increased risk of substance abuse, particularly alcoholism, which can further increase the risk of developing depression and anxiety.It’s important to seek appropriate treatment for ADHD to help manage symptoms and prevent the development of additional mental health conditions such as SAD.
Why do ADHD and SAD occur together?ADHD and SAD often co-occur, though the exact reasons are unclear. ADHD symptoms like impulsivity and inattention can lead to social difficulties, potentially triggering SAD.People with ADHD may face increased risks of bullying or social rejection, prompting withdrawal from social situations and potentially developing SAD.Research suggeststhat those with both ADHD and SAD report higher rates of emotionally traumatic experiences compared to those with SAD alone, indicating that trauma may contribute to the co-occurrence of these conditions.The social challenges and performance anxiety associated with ADHD can also lead to low self-esteem and anxiety, potentially exacerbating or triggering SAD symptoms.
Why do ADHD and SAD occur together?
ADHD and SAD often co-occur, though the exact reasons are unclear. ADHD symptoms like impulsivity and inattention can lead to social difficulties, potentially triggering SAD.People with ADHD may face increased risks of bullying or social rejection, prompting withdrawal from social situations and potentially developing SAD.Research suggeststhat those with both ADHD and SAD report higher rates of emotionally traumatic experiences compared to those with SAD alone, indicating that trauma may contribute to the co-occurrence of these conditions.The social challenges and performance anxiety associated with ADHD can also lead to low self-esteem and anxiety, potentially exacerbating or triggering SAD symptoms.
ADHD and SAD often co-occur, though the exact reasons are unclear. ADHD symptoms like impulsivity and inattention can lead to social difficulties, potentially triggering SAD.
People with ADHD may face increased risks of bullying or social rejection, prompting withdrawal from social situations and potentially developing SAD.
Research suggeststhat those with both ADHD and SAD report higher rates of emotionally traumatic experiences compared to those with SAD alone, indicating that trauma may contribute to the co-occurrence of these conditions.
The social challenges and performance anxiety associated with ADHD can also lead to low self-esteem and anxiety, potentially exacerbating or triggering SAD symptoms.
Can ADHD cause SAD?ADHD, especially untreated, can lead to an exacerbation of symptoms, causing problems in daily life and potentially triggering comorbid conditions such as SAD.When ADHD is left untreated, the person’s impulsivity may cause issues that can create overwhelming feelings, leading to anxiety.Lack of understanding and social rejection from others due to ADHD symptoms may also contribute to social isolation and nervousness in social situations, potentially leading to SAD.Furthermore, untreated ADHD has been associated with an increased risk of substance abuse, particularly alcoholism, which can further increase the risk of developing depression and anxiety.It’s important to seek appropriate treatment for ADHD to help manage symptoms and prevent the development of additional mental health conditions such as SAD.
Can ADHD cause SAD?
ADHD, especially untreated, can lead to an exacerbation of symptoms, causing problems in daily life and potentially triggering comorbid conditions such as SAD.When ADHD is left untreated, the person’s impulsivity may cause issues that can create overwhelming feelings, leading to anxiety.Lack of understanding and social rejection from others due to ADHD symptoms may also contribute to social isolation and nervousness in social situations, potentially leading to SAD.Furthermore, untreated ADHD has been associated with an increased risk of substance abuse, particularly alcoholism, which can further increase the risk of developing depression and anxiety.It’s important to seek appropriate treatment for ADHD to help manage symptoms and prevent the development of additional mental health conditions such as SAD.
ADHD, especially untreated, can lead to an exacerbation of symptoms, causing problems in daily life and potentially triggering comorbid conditions such as SAD.
When ADHD is left untreated, the person’s impulsivity may cause issues that can create overwhelming feelings, leading to anxiety.
Lack of understanding and social rejection from others due to ADHD symptoms may also contribute to social isolation and nervousness in social situations, potentially leading to SAD.
Furthermore, untreated ADHD has been associated with an increased risk of substance abuse, particularly alcoholism, which can further increase the risk of developing depression and anxiety.
It’s important to seek appropriate treatment for ADHD to help manage symptoms and prevent the development of additional mental health conditions such as SAD.
References
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Koyuncu, A., Çelebi, F., Ertekin, E., Kök, B. E., & Tükel, R. (2019). Clinical effects of ADHD subtypes in patients with social anxiety disorder. Journal of Attention Disorders, 23(12), 1464-1469.
Koyuncu, A., Çelebi, F., Ertekin, E., Kök, B. E., & Tükel, R. (2016). Attention deficit and hyperactivity in social anxiety disorder: relationship with trauma history and impulsivity.ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders,8, 95-100.https://doi.org/10.1007/s12402-016-0189-2
Koyuncu, A., İnce, E., Ertekin, E., & Tükel, R. (2019). Comorbidity in social anxiety disorder: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.Drugs in context,8.
Next Step for ADHD. (2021, June 23). ADHD and Social Anxiety: Can They Occur Together?https://www.nextstep4adhd.com/adhd-and-social-anxiety-can-they-occur-together/
Saul McLeod, PhD
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester
Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.
Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education
Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.
