A man is comforted as his comforter tells him the difference between social anxiety disorder and avoidant personality disorder

What’s the Difference Between Social Anxiety Disorder and Avoidant Personality Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder and avoidant personality disorder are both conditions that cause people to feel extremely anxious in social situations. People with these conditions will avoid social interaction as much as possible, despite the fact they typically desire social connection and close relationships. Both conditions can significantly impair one’s ability to form relationships and hinder… Continue Reading What’s the Difference Between Social Anxiety Disorder and Avoidant Personality Disorder?

A man talks to his son about the difference between shyness and social anxiety disorder

What’s the Difference Between Shyness and Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder, or SAD, is an intense fear of social interaction. It can interfere with life in many ways, making dating, school, and work much more difficult. People with SAD typically avoid social situations. When they can’t, they often rely on drugs or alcohol in order to relieve their anxiety and be more “themselves”… Continue Reading What’s the Difference Between Shyness and Social Anxiety Disorder?

A woman sits on a park bench and tries to remember 4 ways to cope with social anxiety disorder

4 Ways to Cope with Social Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders are common co-occurring conditions with addiction because people who suffer from them desperately want relief from their symptoms, which sometimes include intense panic attacks. Often, people who suffer from anxiety disorders will be prescribed benzodiazepines such as Xanax that relieve anxiety in the short term, but are highly addictive. They may also self-medicate… Continue Reading 4 Ways to Cope with Social Anxiety Disorder

a teen boy sits on the beach and thinks about the connection between addiction and social anxiety disorder

Addiction and Social Anxiety Disorder

Most people who struggle with addiction have another mental health issue to go along with it. This is called a dual diagnosis. Common dual diagnoses include depression, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. One common anxiety disorder is social anxiety disorder, which is intense anxiety caused by social situations. About 15 million Americans suffer… Continue Reading Addiction and Social Anxiety Disorder