Do you have social anxiety, avoidant personality disorder, or both?

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) — sometimes referred to as social phobia — and avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) can feel similar. This is because both conditions involve fear of social situations, sensitivity to rejection, and avoidance. 

But they’re not the same. SAD tends to focus on fear in specific settings, while AVPD affects how people see themselves, often leading them to be antisocial and avoid most relationships because they feel they’re not good enough.

Understanding the difference between social anxiety disorder and avoidant personality disorder is important because they have distinct challenges and impacts on daily life. Knowing the difference can guide you toward appropriate support. If you suspect you have either condition (or both), reaching out for professional help can make a significant difference in improving your well-being.

What’s the difference between SAD and AVPD?

Many forums suggest that AVPD is just a more intense version of social anxiety disorder (SAD), but this idea isn’t entirely accurate. While both conditions involve fear of social situations and rejection, they’re distinct. AVPD is a personality disorder that affects how a person views themselves and forms relationships across all areas of life, whereas SAD is typically more situational and specific.

Breaking down the differences can make them easier to understand:

• Social anxiety disorder (SAD):
  • People with SAD experience anxiety about specific social situations, like public speaking or job hunting.
  • Avoidance usually applies to certain activities, not relationships.
  • Symptoms may improve with targeted treatment over time.
• Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD):
  • People with AVPD experience a deep fear of rejection and criticism in almost all areas of life.
  • Avoidance extends to relationships, leading to isolation.
  • Symptoms are more ingrained and tied to how someone views themselves, but they’re treatable with the right approach.

Understanding these distinctions is key to finding the right support, as treatment options and approaches differ for each condition.

Can you have both social anxiety and avoidant personality disorder?

Yes, it’s possible to have both social anxiety disorder and avoidant personality disorder. Studies show that many people with SAD also experience AVPD, with estimates of up to 89%. This overlap suggests that the two conditions often occur together, and addressing both in treatment can be crucial.

Having both social anxiety disorder and avoidant personality disorder can make social situations feel overwhelming and isolating. If you experience both, you may find yourself avoiding social interactions not just because of a fear of embarrassment but also because you believe people will reject or judge you. Even though you may long for connection, the overwhelming feelings of inadequacy can make it hard to reach out or form relationships.

For instance, you might avoid events or conversations because you worry about saying the wrong thing or that others won’t like you. And when you do engage with other people, you might struggle with feeling like an outsider or constantly fearing that you’re being judged, which can cause you to withdraw further. This cycle can leave you feeling stuck in a loop of self-doubt and isolation.

It’s important to remember that both SAD and AVPD are treatable, and therapy can help you work through these fears, build confidence, and change patterns of thinking and behavior. You’re not alone in this journey, and support is available to help you take steps toward a healthier, more connected life.

Overcome social avoidance with professional support

Social anxiety disorder and avoidant personality disorder are both treatable conditions, and many people find relief and improvement through therapy and support. With the right care, you can develop effective coping strategies, reduce your symptoms, and lead a fulfilling life.

To figure out which condition you might have (or if you have both), a professional will start with an assessment. This usually involves discussing your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, as well as looking at your personal history. The therapist will ask specific questions to see if your symptoms match SAD, AVPD, or both. The process typically includes detailed interviews and, sometimes, questionnaires to help identify what’s going on and guide treatment.

The treatments for SAD and AVPD are quite similar, but the approach may vary. Common treatments include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This is a common therapy for both conditions. It helps by challenging negative thoughts and behaviors and helping you replace them with healthier patterns. It’s effective for SAD because it addresses the fear of social situations, and it helps with AVPD by focusing on changing the intense fears of rejection and criticism.
• Exposure therapy: Exposure therapy involves gradually facing the feared situations in a safe and controlled way. This helps reduce the anxiety that comes with social situations for those with SAD and helps those with AVPD feel more confident in social interactions.
• Medication: In some cases, providers may prescribe medications. These can help manage anxiety symptoms, making therapy more effective. Medications are commonly used to treat SAD but can also be useful for AVPD if anxiety is overwhelming. It’s important to work with your provider to determine if medication is the right choice for you, as they can guide you in finding the most appropriate treatment plan.

In both cases, therapy helps by addressing the core issues — such as fear of social judgment or rejection — making it easier to cope with these conditions.

Find care with Rula

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) and avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) can make it hard to connect with others due to intense self-consciousness and fear of judgment. These challenges often lead people to self-isolate and avoid social situations. The good news is that both conditions are treatable, and, with the right support, it’s possible to improve your social skills and confidence, building stronger connections and a more fulfilling life.

At Rula, we’re committed to helping you get the care you need. With a network of over 10,000 providers, we can quickly connect you with a therapist who accepts your insurance. Help is available when you’re ready, and you don’t have to wait weeks or months for support. Simply visit our therapist-matching program, browse your options, and schedule a live video appointment for as soon as tomorrow.

Find a therapist with Rula