The meaning of “threat,” however, differs between the two.
People with SAD sometimes experiencephysical symptomsassociated with their anxiety, as do those with GAD.
Biased thinkingin many casescatastrophizing(imagining worst-case scenarios)is central to both types of anxiety disorders as well.
Rosanna U/Getty images
Social worries are not uncommon in those with GAD.
However, their focus tends to be about ongoing relationships rather than on fear of evaluation.
For example, a person with GAD may worry uncontrollably about the implications of a fight with their girlfriend.
Their thought content typically centers on negative evaluation and possibly rejection.
Lets say that a person calls in sick on the day of a presentation at work.
That said, those with GAD often have symptoms long before they seek treatment.
In older individuals, the content of worry and associated behaviors may change slightly.
The most commonly co-occurring problem isdepression.
Fortunately, the treatments for GAD and social anxiety disorder also overlap.
Manymedicationsare helpful for both problems.Cognitive behavioral psychotherapyis the first-line psychotherapy for these conditions.
Psychotherapy and medications can reduce uncomfortable symptoms and allow people to live their lives as fully as possible.
American Psychiatric Association; 2013.
Castonguay L, Oltmans T (eds).Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Guilford Press, 2013.
2017;74(5):465-475. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2017.0056
