ADHD and Social Anxiety: Can They Occur Together?

If you have ADHD, you might wonder if some of your symptoms are related to other psychiatric conditions, such as social anxiety. ADHD and social anxiety disorder can exist at the same time. In fact, as many as 80% of people with ADHD are diagnosed with at least one other mental health condition throughout their life. This includes anxiety disorders and depression. Just as untreated (or undertreated) ADHD can contribute to problems in everyday life, comorbid conditions (conditions that occur at the same time as ADHD) can cause problems if they are left undiagnosed and untreated.

Any anxiety disorder — which includes generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, OCD, and social anxiety disorder — can coexist alongside ADHD. However, social anxiety disorder is one of the most common anxiety disorders to coexist with ADHD. Here at Next Step 4 ADHD, our team of experienced providers excels at diagnosing and treating ADHD as well as social anxiety.

In this blog, we explore the differences between the two conditions and how they are treated.

Are My Symptoms Related to ADHD or Social Anxiety?

As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, and especially as some social environments continue to return to a more normal state after the pandemic, it’s important to note that social anxiety disorder and ADHD can sometimes share overlapping symptoms.

The following symptoms can be signs of ADHD and/or social anxiety:

1. Difficulty socializing
2. Inattention
3. Trouble completing tasks
4. Fidgety (Yes, social anxiety can also contribute to fidgeting!)

Social anxiety can cause other symptoms. This includes physical symptoms (like an upset stomach), avoidance, intense worry and fear, and canceling outings. You can learn more about social anxiety here.

Sometimes, though, the symptoms of ADHD can overshadow the symptoms of social anxiety, especially if school performance is being affected by ADHD. As a result, social anxiety can often go undiagnosed in both adults and children who also have ADHD. Additionally, the reduced social interaction throughout the last year may have hidden some of these symptoms. If you spot the signs of social anxiety (or any other anxiety disorder), don’t hesitate to let us know. Returning to society doesn’t have to be impossible, and we can help you.

Treating Co-Occurring Conditions

Here at Next Step 4 ADHD, we take a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. This means your treatment plan is well-rounded and may include any of the following:

• Medication
• Therapy
• Lifestyle modifications

Medications

Common medications used to treat ADHD include both stimulants and non-stimulants.

Some medications may be used to treat both ADHD and anxiety at the same time. According to a 2009 study, selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) may target both ADHD and anxiety symptoms. The same study, which was published in the journal Depression & Anxiety, found that Atomoxetine treatment improved both ADHD and comorbid social anxiety disorder in adults.

Therapy

While medication is often included into the treatment plans for ADHD, many people also benefit from non-medication therapies too. This is especially true for those diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

Approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can provide strategies for overcoming many of the underlying struggles of both social anxiety disorder and ADHD.

In addition to CBT, lifestyle changes can also help reduce symptoms of both ADHD and social anxiety disorder. This includes:

• Exercising regularly
• Eating well-balanced meals
• Practicing stress management techniques
• Practicing self-care, including good sleep hygiene
• Relaxing

A Word From Next Step 4 ADHD

A co-occurring diagnosis of social anxiety disorder can be a lifelong reality for an adult or child with ADHD. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at the thought of multiple diagnoses, but learning more about the connection between these two conditions is the first step toward improving your control over your life. When you’re ready to schedule your consultation, give us a call and we’ll help you take your next steps so you can thrive.