{"id":845,"date":"2022-12-09T04:42:35","date_gmt":"2022-12-09T04:42:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/?p=845"},"modified":"2023-07-13T01:46:28","modified_gmt":"2023-07-13T01:46:28","slug":"adhd-and-social-anxiety-how-to-manage-and-overcome-both-conditions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/adhd-and-social-anxiety-how-to-manage-and-overcome-both-conditions\/","title":{"rendered":"ADHD and Social Anxiety: How to Manage and Overcome Both Conditions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Social anxiety is a fear of being negatively judged by others in social situations, and it can be linked to <a href=\"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/understanding-adhd-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work\/\">ADHD<\/a> due to the overlapping symptoms and the impact of ADHD on social interactions. Social anxiety may stem from limited exposure to positive social experiences, genetics, a history of bullying, memories of public humiliation, or a general discomfort communicating with people. Symptoms of social anxiety may include feeling self-conscious, having difficulty making or keeping friends, worrying for days before a social event, being intensely afraid of negative judgment, avoiding social situations, feeling embarrassed to eat in front of others, and experiencing panic attacks. Strategies for managing social anxiety may include setting small goals, practicing relaxation techniques, engaging in activities that promote socialization, and seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"is-your-anxiety-from-adhd-take-our-quiz\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is your anxiety from ADHD? Take Our Quiz<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The short quiz below can give you an idea if your anxiety is caused by ADHD or if it might be related to something else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Do you often feel restless or fidgety?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you have difficulty paying attention or focusing on tasks?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you tend to make impulsive decisions without thinking them through?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you often feel overwhelmed by daily responsibilities or activities?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you frequently worry about things that may not happen?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you experience physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, or difficulty breathing?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you have a history of ADHD or have you been diagnosed with ADHD?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you often feel like you are not in control of your thoughts or actions?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you avoid certain activities or situations because of anxiety?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you have difficulty relaxing or quieting your mind?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you answered yes to several of these questions, you may be experiencing anxiety due to ADHD. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"are-adhd-and-social-anxiety-linked\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are ADHD and Social Anxiety linked?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"ADHD and social Anxiety | Social Anxiety Disorder | ADD | The Disorders Care\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/y6ApjWaO7zg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>ADHD and social anxiety are linked because many people with ADHD may also have social anxiety disorder, and the two conditions can have overlapping symptoms. ADHD can make social interactions more difficult and can lead to anxiety, and anxiety can make <a href=\"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/understanding-adhd-an-in-depth-analysis-of-symptoms-and-traits\/\">ADHD symptoms<\/a> worse. ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity and hyperactivity can be mistaken for social anxiety disorder symptoms such as fidgeting. Treatment for both conditions may be necessary in order to break this cycle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-does-anxiety-feel-like\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What does anxiety feel like?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Anxiety can feel like a constant state of worry or fear, as well as physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and muscle tension. It can also cause difficulty concentrating, irritability, and <a href=\"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/the-role-of-melatonin-in-pediatric-insomnia-an-informative-guide\/\">sleep<\/a> disturbances. Some people may also experience panic attacks, where they feel intense fear or discomfort and have physical symptoms such as a racing heart and difficulty breathing. Anxiety can also be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, life events, and certain medical conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"our-top-10-facts-about-social-anxiety-and-add-adhd\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our Top 10 Facts about Social Anxiety and ADD\/ADHD<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>ADHD and anxiety often go hand-in-hand, with as many as 50% of adults with ADHD and up to 30% of children with ADHD also dealing with anxiety.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Both ADHD and anxiety share common symptoms, such as impulsiveness, difficulty paying attention, and trouble managing emotions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If left untreated, ADHD can contribute to the development of anxiety, and anxiety can make ADHD symptoms worse.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This creates a vicious cycle where individuals with ADHD may avoid certain situations due to anxiety, leading to <a href=\"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/adhd-linked-to-social-isolation-in-children\/\">isolation<\/a> and worsening their ADHD symptoms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fortunately, both ADHD and anxiety are highly treatable, and a combination of <a href=\"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/adhd-medication-signs-that-your-dose-is-too-high\/\">medication<\/a> and therapy can be effective in managing both conditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stimulant medications, such as amphetamines and methylphenidates, are commonly prescribed for ADHD and may help to improve <a href=\"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/lions-mane-for-adhd-a-natural-and-effective-treatment\/\">focus<\/a> and impulse control.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often the first line of treatment for anxiety, and can help to reduce anxiety and improve mood.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cognitive <a href=\"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/new-study-confirms-that-a-combination-of-medication-and-behavioral-therapy-is-the-best-treatment-for-adhd\/\">behavioral therapy<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/nonpharmacological-interventions-for-adhd-a-closer-look-at-their-effectiveness\/\">CBT<\/a>) can be helpful in managing both ADHD and anxiety, as it can help individuals to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors, and develop coping skills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is important for individuals with ADHD and anxiety to work with a mental health professional to determine the best treatment plan for their specific needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support from friends, family, and a support group can be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-is-the-best-medication-for-adhd-and-anxiety\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the best medication for ADHD and Anxiety?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"What is Anxiety Medication?\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IiSQQ5XV__w?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The best medicine for ADHD and social anxiety will depend on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. In general, a combination of medication and therapy may be effective for treating both conditions. Stimulant medications, such as amphetamines and methylphenidates, are commonly prescribed for ADHD and may help to improve focus and impulse control. <a href=\"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/finding-the-best-non-stimulant-adhd-medication-for-adults\/\">Non-stimulant<\/a> medications, such as atomoxetine, may also be effective. For social anxiety, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often the first line of treatment. These medications can help to reduce anxiety and improve mood. In addition to medication, therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be helpful in managing both ADHD and social anxiety. CBT can help individuals to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors, and develop coping skills for managing anxiety and impulsivity. It is important for individuals to work with a mental health professional to determine the best treatment plan for their specific needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"our-tips-for-overcoming-social-anxiety-disorder-and-adhd\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our Tips for overcoming Social Anxiety Disorder and Adhd<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Identify the situations and triggers that cause your anxiety, and work on developing coping mechanisms for those specific situations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques to help manage anxiety in the moment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seek support from friends, family, and a support group to help you manage both conditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep a journal to track your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to ADHD and anxiety.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set realistic goals for yourself, and celebrate small victories and progress.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Develop a routine and use organizational tools to help manage ADHD symptoms and reduce stress.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Talk to a mental health professional to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider medication, such as stimulants for ADHD and SSRIs for anxiety, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Try cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to learn how to change negative thought patterns and behaviors, and develop coping skills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prioritize self-care and make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"why-do-i-feel-so-awkward-all-the-time\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why do I feel so awkward all the time?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"An ADHD Guide to Emotional Dysregulation and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (w\/ William Dodson, M.D.)\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/klmxcj52PQQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>People with ADHD may experience fear or anxiety in social situations for a variety of reasons. Some common reasons include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Impulsivity: People with ADHD may struggle with impulsivity, which can lead them to say or do things in social situations without thinking about the potential consequences. This can make it difficult to form and maintain <a href=\"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/building-lasting-friendships-for-boys-with-adhd-2\/\">friendships<\/a>, and may lead to feelings of embarrassment or shame.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inattention: People with ADHD may also struggle with inattention, which can make it difficult to pay attention to social cues and conversations. This can make it challenging to engage in social interactions and may cause people with ADHD to feel left out or misunderstood.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hyperactivity: People with ADHD may also experience hyperactivity, which can make it difficult to sit still and focus in social situations. This can make it challenging to participate in conversations and may cause others to perceive the person with ADHD as being disruptive or rude.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Social anxiety: People with ADHD may also experience social anxiety, which is a fear of being judged or rejected in social situations. This fear can make it difficult for people with ADHD to engage in social interactions, and may cause them to avoid social situations altogether.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, people with ADHD may be afraid of social situations because of the challenges they may face in managing their symptoms, as well as the potential negative judgments or reactions of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Let&#8217;s Recap. Still with me?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>ADHD can cause social anxiety by making communication and socialization more challenging.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The symptoms of ADHD, such as impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity, can make social situations more stressful.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Social anxiety can coexist with ADHD, and about 3 in 10 children with ADHD also have anxiety.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It can be easy to mistake ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity with social anxiety disorder symptoms like fidgeting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Treatment options for ADHD and social anxiety include therapy, medication, and coping strategies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ADHD can also lead to social awkwardness, such as blurting out inappropriate comments, interrupting others, or having difficulty paying attention to conversations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Managing social anxiety and awkwardness can involve setting small goals, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support from friends and mental health professionals.\n<ul>\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"add-and-social-anxiety-in-women\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">ADD and Social Anxiety in Women<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  data-dominant-color=\"bec0c4\"  data-has-transparency=\"false\"  style=\"--dominant-color: #bec0c4;\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1024\"  height=\"683\"  src=\"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/4226215-80x53.webp\"  alt=\"Woman With Hands on her Face in front of a Laptop\"  class=\"not-transparent wp-image-850 pk-lqip pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/4226215-1024x683.webp\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/4226215-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/4226215-jpg-600x400.webp 600w, https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/4226215-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/4226215-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/4226215-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/4226215-390x260.webp 390w, https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/4226215-820x547.webp 820w, https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/4226215-1180x787.webp 1180w, https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/4226215-80x53.webp 80w, https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/4226215-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/4226215-jpg.webp 1600w\" ><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For years, clinicians diagnosed ADHD much more frequently in males than it was in females. More recently, the gender bias in ADHD diagnoses has decreased. Once, there were 25 males diagnosed with ADHD for each female. Today, males are about three times as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females. However, this doesn&#8217;t necessarily mean that ADHD is less common in females than it is in males. Males with ADHD generally have symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsiveness that are easy to recognize and are closely associated with ADHD. Females are more likely to have internalized or subtle ADHD. Because of that, school counselors or doctors are less likely to refer them for evaluation, and therefore they are less likely to be diagnosed. Researchers believe that ADHD is about only about twice as common in men as it is in <a href=\"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/understanding-adhd-in-women-the-differences-impacts-and-approaches-to-treatment\/\">women<\/a>. By adulthood, the actual prevalence of ADHD is thought to be about equal between men and women. That means that the same number of adult men and women are living with ADHD. However, many women with ADHD have never been diagnosed. About 2.5% of adults have ADHD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>ADHD is about twice as common in males as it is in females, but the actual prevalence of ADHD is thought to be about equal between men and women by adulthood. This means that the same number of adult men and women are living with ADHD.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Women with ADHD are more likely to have inattention or internalized symptoms, which are often harder to notice and may be brushed off as being personality quirks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Milder cases of <a href=\"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/adhd-in-older-females\/\">ADHD in women<\/a> and girls often go undiagnosed, leading to girls with ADHD diagnoses having the most severe symptoms among those with ADHD diagnoses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Women with ADHD are more likely to develop anxiety disorders than men with ADHD.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ADHD and anxiety often co-occur, with up to two-thirds of individuals with ADHD also experiencing anxiety.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"wrapping-it-up\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wrapping it up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In conclusion, ADHD and anxiety are both common mental health conditions that can have a significant impact on an individual&#8217;s daily life. While ADHD is often associated with hyperactivity and impulsivity, anxiety is characterized by feelings of worry, fear, and unease. Both conditions can be difficult to manage, but with the right treatment and support, individuals with ADHD and anxiety can learn to cope with their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. It is important for individuals, parents, and healthcare providers to be aware of the potential overlap between these two conditions and to seek help as needed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"ADHD and anxiety often go hand-in-hand. If you struggle with impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention, it&#8217;s important to address both conditions for a better quality of life.\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1470,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[21,29,1],"tags":[60,59,54,63,62],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/adhd-and-social-anxiety-how-to-manage-and-overcome-both-conditions.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/845"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=845"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/845\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1246,"href":"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/845\/revisions\/1246"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1470"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=845"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=845"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=845"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}