• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • What Are Bipolar Disorder Cycles?
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Gender Dysphoria
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • What Are Bipolar Disorder Cycles?
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Gender Dysphoria
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
Skip to content

ADHD & Social Anxiety: Connections & How to Cope

Published: January 6, 2023 Updated: January 25, 2023
Published: 01/06/2023 Updated: 01/25/2023
Andrea Brognano LMHC,LPC, NCC
Written by:

Andrea Brognano

LMHC, LPC, NCC

Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Heidi Moawad

MD
  • Can You Have Both ADHD & Social Anxiety?ADHD & Social Anxiety
  • Connections Between ADHD & Social AnxietyConnections
  • Why Do ADHD & Social Anxiety Occur Together?Why They Occur Together
  • Can ADHD & Social Anxiety Be Misdiagnosed?Can They Be Misdiagnosed?
  • How Are ADHD & Social Anxiety Treated?Treatment Options
  • How to Cope With ADHD & Social AnxietyHow to Cope With Them
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • ADHD & Social Anxiety InfographicsInfographics
Andrea Brognano LMHC,LPC, NCC
Written by:

Andrea Brognano

LMHC, LPC, NCC

Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Heidi Moawad

MD

Social anxiety and ADHD can affect people in similar ways, particularly when it comes to interacting with others. Both conditions can result in difficulties paying attention, focusing, and managing impulsivity. While ADHD and social anxiety may occur for different reasons, they often co-occur, making either condition more challenging for individuals. However, there are healthy ways to cope with symptoms and treatment options available.

Online Psychiatry & Medication Management Covered By Insurance

Talkiatry offers psychiatric appointments with real doctors within a week. They’re in-network with every major insurer and offer medication management. Take the assessment and meet your new psychiatrist.

Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by Talkiatry.

Free Assessment

Can You Have Both ADHD & Social Anxiety?

It is common for a person with ADHD to experience another mental health disorder including social anxiety disorder. In fact, one in three individuals with ADHD will also experience social anxiety.1 While ADHD and social anxiety are two very different conditions, there is much overlap between symptoms and their impact on a person’s life. For example, a person with either or a comorbid condition likely experiences an intense fear of rejection, leading to social isolation or avoidance. Thus, it is quite common for comorbid ADHD and social anxiety to occur.1

Connections Between ADHD & Social Anxiety

As mentioned, certain symptoms of ADHD and social anxiety are very similar in nature. These symptoms can cause problems for one’s self-esteem, in their relationships, and in their professional life. However, while living with comorbid ADHD and social anxiety can be daunting, there are ways to address and treat them.2

Connections between ADHD and social anxiety include:

1. Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem often includes feelings of self-doubt, inadequacy, and a lack of self-confidence. A person may feel unworthy or undeserving. For those with ADHD and social anxiety, low self-esteem is common as they may feel anxious about how they are being perceived by others in social settings. They may believe that others are judging them for their behaviors or actions.

For instance, distractibility is a well-associated symptom of ADHD, which can make completing tasks challenging for those diagnosed. Because of this, a person may feel that they will be perceived negatively by others for not following through on projects. In turn, this can lead to self-criticism and negative self-talk.

2. Difficulty Completing Tasks

A person with ADHD and social anxiety may struggle with completing tasks because they fear how their work will be perceived by others. This fear of being judged can result in emotional overwhelm, only making it more difficult to carry through. Furthermore, they typically will not ask for help to avoid being looked down upon.

3. Difficulties Socializing

While it may seem obvious to assume a person with social anxiety will have difficulty socializing, this trait may not be typically associated with ADHD. However, those with ADHD often set high expectations for themselves. When socializing, they may overthink how they talk to and engage with others because they worry about not acting how they “should” in a certain situation. Therefore, this fear can result in challenges communicating, furthering one’s anxiety about interacting with others.

4. Avoidance & Isolation

Avoidance behavior and isolation is a common occurrence for those with ADHD and social anxiety. Doing so offers them a way to cope with their intense fears of judgment and criticism. However, this causes more insecurities and issues in the long run. The avoidance feeds the social anxiety, leading to a harmful cycle of self-isolation.

5. Inattentiveness

While inattentiveness may be more prevalent in ADHD, it can also affect those with social anxiety. Being diagnosed with comorbid ADHD and social anxiety can lead to distractibility when it comes to interacting with others. This may be due to the constant flow of thoughts about how to respond, act, and behave “correctly” in social settings. This then may appear as disinterest in a conversation. Unfortunately, this can frustrate others as they feel ignored or overlooked.

Get Help 

Talkiatry – Offers psychiatric appointments with real doctors within a week. They’re in-network with every major insurer and offer medication management. Take a free assessment and meet your new psychiatrist.  Free Assessment


Inflow App – Inflow is the #1 science-based app to help you manage your ADHD. Their support system helps you understand your neurodiverse brain, and build lifelong skills. Free Trial


Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and may be compensated for marketing by Inflow and Talkiatry.

Why Do ADHD & Social Anxiety Occur Together?

There are many contributing factors to the development of social anxiety and ADHD. While genetics play a role for both conditions, external factors can intensify or exacerbate any possible predispositions.3

Possible causes of comorbid social anxiety and ADHD include:

  • Previous trauma: A person is more likely to have difficulty engaging with others if they have experienced trauma, such as childhood trauma or sexual trauma. This may lead to fears about people in general, resulting in anxiety.
  • Genetic factors: Those with other family members with a history of either condition may be more likely to experience ADHD and social anxiety.
  • Environment: This may include how a person was raised, where they grew up, and other aspects of their life. Certain circumstances may lead to increased symptoms of either condition.
  • Social roles: Depending on the responsibilities a person has, they may feel the need to fit a certain role or fill expectations placed on them. This can make them anxious as they fear the perception of others based on their performance.

Can ADHD & Social Anxiety Be Misdiagnosed?

For any mental health condition, receiving the appropriate treatment is essential. In order to receive this, a person must first be given a diagnosis. In some cases, it is possible for a misdiagnosis to be provided, as symptoms of various conditions can mimic or resemble one another. This may be the case for a person with ADHD, social anxiety, or both. Further, many people who spend time around a person with ADHD think of them as being very outgoing because they are hyperactive, but this behavior is not the same as being comfortable interacting socially with others.

Another cause for misdiagnosis may include ADHD masking, as a person may either purposefully or inadvertently hide their symptoms from themselves and others. This only makes receiving an accurate diagnosis more difficult. Because of this, it’s important to honestly share any and all of the symptoms you are experiencing with your doctor so you can better understand what is causing them.

How Are ADHD & Social Anxiety Treated?

ADHD and social anxiety are often treated with therapy and medication. When considering treatment, be sure to explore all of your options to ensure you find what works best for you. No treatment method is one size fits all, so understanding what you are looking for can be helpful. Additionally, it may be beneficial to find a neurodiverse affirming therapist who you feel safe with and validated by.4

Therapy

Therapy is beneficial for exploring how a person’s symptoms impact them and their lives. Additionally, if someone is interested in including family members in their treatment, they can opt to do so and receive extra support when needed.

Therapy options for social anxiety and ADHD include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT for ADHD and social anxiety allows a person to identify unhealthy thought patterns and reframe them in order to decrease anxiety.
  • Group therapy: Group therapy is beneficial for both conditions as it offers a way for individuals to feel validated and supported by others who are experiencing similar symptoms.
  • Somatic therapy: Somatic therapy encourages an individual to pay attention to how their emotions affect their body. This can help them recognize when they are feeling anxious and make efforts to cope with it.
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): DBT teaches an individual how their thoughts, patterns, and emotions relate to an action and how to address these feelings as they arise.
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): ACT incorporates elements of mindfulness which help an individual stay centered and grounded when feeling overwhelmed.

Medication

It is important to know which medications for ADHD and medications for anxiety may be appropriate during treatment. The proper prescription can decrease unwanted symptoms and help a person better navigate their day to day. However, it is also important to understand possible side effects and risks of any medication you are considering. Your doctor will help you determine the best option for your treatment.

Medication options for social anxiety and ADHD may include:

  • SSRIs*: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressants that increase a person’s serotonin levels, resulting in decreased anxiety.
  • SNRIs*: Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) increase levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine, thus decreasing feelings of sadness and improving one’s overall mood.
  • Stimulants**: Stimulants increase dopamine levels in the brain, resulting in increased motivation.
  • Benzodiazepines***: These medications help alleviate anxiety and stress levels by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants work similarly to SNRIs, but may result in less side effects.

*This medication has a black box warning, the most serious kind of warning from the FDA for a risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. You should talk with your doctor about these risks before starting this medication.

**This medication has a black box warning, the most serious kind of warning from the FDA for a risk of medication misuse or abuse.

***This medication has black box warnings, the most serious kind of warnings from the FDA for abuse or misuse, risk of physical dependence and risk of serious side effects, including death, when combined with an opioid.

How to Cope With ADHD & Social Anxiety

While navigating ADHD and social anxiety may be challenging, there are healthy coping mechanisms a person can adopt to do so. Finding the methods that work best for you may take time, but can help you decrease symptoms and live a healthier life.

Here are some tips for coping with ADHD and social anxiety:

  • Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness for anxiety helps a person remain grounded in the present moment instead of focusing on the future. Mindfulness can help ease negative thoughts as they arise.
  • Try journaling: When journaling, a person is able to rid their mind of unhealthy and negative thoughts, rather than ruminating on them.
  • Socialize: While this may sound a bit scary, it is important to socialize in order to gain new experiences and opportunities for growth.
  • Exercise: Exercising releases endorphins that can help a person feel less uneasy and anxious.
  • Find a support system: When a person becomes overwhelmed, knowing they have the support of others can help them feel relaxed and secure.
  • Reframe your thoughts: By reframing negative thoughts, a person can recognize that these thoughts are not true and make conscious efforts to change them.

Final Thoughts

If you struggle with ADHD and social anxiety, a therapist can help you determine a treatment plan that best suits your individual needs. Remember that there is no shame in seeking help–support may be the key to feeling rejuvenated and happy in your own skin.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

ADHD Management Tools

Inflow App Inflow is the #1 science-based app to help you manage your ADHD. Their support system helps you understand your neurodiverse brain, and build lifelong skills. Free Trial

Virtual Psychiatry

Talkiatry Get help from a real doctor that takes your insurance. Talkiatry offers medication management and online visits with top-rated psychiatrists. Take the online assessment and have your first appointment within a week. Free Assessment

Online Therapy 

BetterHelp Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 20,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy.  Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Choosing Therapy  Directory 

You can search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance, or price, and location. Find a therapist today

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp, Inflow, and Talkiatry.

For Further Reading

  • Connected Families
  • Social Phobia Organization

ADHD & Social Anxiety Infographics

Can You Have Both ADHD & Social Anxiety?   Connections Between ADHD & Social Anxiety   How to Cope With ADHD & Social AnxietyHow Are ADHD & Social Anxiety Treated?

4 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Stein, M.B., et al. (n.d.). Approach to treating social anxiety disorder in adults.UpToDate. Retrieved from https://www.medilib.ir/uptodate/show/108042

  • Social anxiety disorder: More than just shyness. (2022). National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness/index.shtml.

  • Greenberg, A., & De Los Reyes, A. (2022). When Adolescents Experience Co-Occurring Social Anxiety and ADHD Symptoms: Links With Social Skills When Interacting With Unfamiliar Peer Confederates. Behavior Therapy, 53(6), 1109–1121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2022.04.011

  • Mörtberg, E., Tilfors, K., & Bejerot, S. (2011). Screening for ADHD in an Adult Social Phobia Sample. Journal of Attention Disorders, 16(8), 645–649. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054711423623

Recent Articles

Social Anxiety vs. Shyness: Understanding the Difference
Shyness Vs. Social Anxiety: Understanding the Difference
Shyness and social anxiety have been used interchangeably, but the two are subtly different. Someone who is shy is...
';
Signs You're Socially Awkward and How to Deal with It
Signs You’re Socially Awkward & How to Deal With It
Social awkwardness isn’t a mental health condition and there’s no diagnosis for it; rather it's the sum of feelings...
';
Social Anxiety Treatment: Therapy, Medication, Lifestyle & Self-Help
Social Anxiety Treatment: Therapy, Medication, & Self-Help
Social anxiety disorder is an overwhelming fear of specific social situations and the avoidance of these situations. Treatment for...
';
Social Anxiety Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Social Anxiety Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Social anxiety disorder is the excessive fear of social situations and the negative views other people will have of...
';
How to Find a Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapist
How to Find a Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapist
If you’re autistic or neurodivergent, it can be challenging to find a therapist who understands the unique needs specific...
';
12 Symptoms & Signs of Adult ADHD
14 Symptoms & Signs of Adult ADHD
ADHD is a neurological, mental health disorder in which individuals experience chronic issues with inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. Without...
';
Andrea Brognano LMHC,LPC, NCC
Written by:

Andrea Brognano

LMHC, LPC, NCC

Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Heidi Moawad

MD
  • Can You Have Both ADHD & Social Anxiety?ADHD & Social Anxiety
  • Connections Between ADHD & Social AnxietyConnections
  • Why Do ADHD & Social Anxiety Occur Together?Why They Occur Together
  • Can ADHD & Social Anxiety Be Misdiagnosed?Can They Be Misdiagnosed?
  • How Are ADHD & Social Anxiety Treated?Treatment Options
  • How to Cope With ADHD & Social AnxietyHow to Cope With Them
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • ADHD & Social Anxiety InfographicsInfographics
If you are in need of immediate medical help:
Medical
Emergency
911
Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
988
Click For More Crisis Hotlines
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
811
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit Cookie Settings to provide controlled consent. Cookie settings ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

We use cookies to facilitate website functionality. Also, we use third-party cookies to track your website behavior and target advertising. These cookies are stored in your browser only with your consent, and you have the choice of opting out.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non Necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Save & Accept