Both Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) involve persistent and excessive anxiety, but they differ in their focus and impact. While they share symptoms , they are distinct conditions with different triggers and thought patterns. We’ll explore the definitions behind each of these disorders and the connection between them in the following article.
What is ‘GAD’ in Mental Health Terms?
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive, ongoing anxiety and worries that are difficult to control and interfere with day-to-day activities. GAD mental health symptoms may include:
- Persistent worrying or anxiety about a number of areas that are out of proportion to the impact of the events
- Overthinking plans and solutions to all possible worst-case outcomes
- Perceiving situations and events as threatening, even when they aren’t
- Difficulty handling uncertainty
- Indecisiveness and fear of making the wrong decision
Physical signs and symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Muscle tension or muscle aches
- Nervousness or being easily startled
- Sweating
- Nausea, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome
If you have GAD, your anxiety, worry or physical symptoms may cause you significant distress in social, work or other areas of your life. Worries can shift from one concern to another and may change with time and age.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, means that everyday interactions cause significant anxiety, self-consciousness and embarrassment because you fear being scrutinized or judged negatively by others. Signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder can include constant:
- Fear of situations in which you may be judged negatively
- Worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself
- Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers
- Fear that others will notice that you look anxious
- Fear of physical symptoms that may cause you embarrassment, such as blushing, sweating, trembling or having a shaky voice
Physical symptoms can include:
- Blushing
- Fast heartbeat
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Upset stomach or nausea
Similarities Between Social Anxiety vs. Generalized Anxiety
Though GAD and SAD are different diagnoses, they share many similarities:
Both involve ongoing, excessive worry that may seem disproportionate to actual threats.
People with both conditions may experience physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, or an upset stomach.
Catastrophic thinking (imagining worst-case scenarios) is common in both disorders.
Both conditions can co-occur with depression or other anxiety disorders like OCD or PTSD.
Differences Between Social Anxiety and Generalized Anxiety
Though there’s a decent amount of crossover with GAD and SAD, there are some distinct differences that set them apart:
- GAD is characterized by persistent worry across various aspects of life, including health, finances, and daily stressors. Social concerns may exist, but they tend to revolve around ongoing relationships rather than fear of judgment.
- SAD is centered on fear of negative evaluation, embarrassment, or rejection in social or performance situations, such as speaking in front of others or meeting new people.
- Avoidance behaviors are present in both conditions, but the motivation differs—someone with GAD may avoid a presentation due to fear of being unprepared, while someone with SAD may avoid it due to fear of public scrutiny.
Development and Onset
- Social Anxiety Disorder typically begins earlier, around age 13, often worsening during adolescence due to increased social demands.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder tends to develop later, with an average onset of 31, though many experience symptoms long before seeking treatment.
- In older adults, social anxiety may revolve around concerns like physical appearance or impairments, while GAD may focus on health worries and caregiving responsibilities.
Can You Have Generalized Anxiety AND Social Anxiety?
It’s common for GAD and SAD to overlap, and they also frequently co-occur with depression or other mental health diagnoses. Fortunately, both disorders respond well to similar treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address negative thinking and avoidance behaviors. Medications such as SSRIs can also be effective in reducing symptoms.
Seeking Help for Your Anxiety
While GAD and SAD impact daily life differently, both can significantly affect well-being. The good news is that effective treatments exist, helping individuals manage their anxiety and regain control over their lives. The experts at Associated Clinic of Psychology utilize a plethora of therapies to help treat your anxiety, no matter if you struggle from GAD or SAD or both.
