Social Anxiety Disorder vs Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Although both SAD and GAD share similar features such as catastrophizing and physical symptoms, they are two distinct disorders with a separate diagnosis. In both disorders, there is excessive anxiety that is irrelevant to any actual threat, but the ‘threat’ perceived within the disorders differs based on the disorder. GAD and SAD can be co-occurring which can lead to an individual experiencing depression and other types of anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. 

The content of thoughts is what distinguishes the differences between GAD and SAD. GAD causes people to worry about a range of topics such as health, finances, relationships, and daily stress. SAD causes individuals to worry about social engagements such as meeting new people, public speaking, or being observed and watched by others. Although GAD can create social worries, the focus of anxiety is seen predominantly within relationships with others. Individuals dealing with social anxiety tend to find it difficult to start conversations due to the fear of negative evaluation, rejection, possible humiliation, or embarrassment. Both of these conditions are categorized by having a high degree of avoidance from anything that will produce anxiety. 

When seeking treatment for GAD, SAD, or both there can also be treatment for depression because it is a common issue related to both forms of anxiety. It is also not uncommon for those living with GAD to experience PTSD simultaneously which can also be addressed during treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavioral therapy, and behavioral activation are commonly used when treating anxiety disorders. Additionally, behavioral therapies help those suffering address thought biases in order to eliminate avoidant behaviors accompanied with anxiety. 

Source: Dr. Danielle Forshee, LLC