How can I manage social anxiety with ADHD? 

Feeling anxious in social situations is common, but when ADHD is also involved, the experience can become more intense. According to NHS guidance and NICE recommendations, emotional dysregulation, rejection sensitivity, and executive function difficulties make people with ADHD more vulnerable to social fear and avoidance. These factors often lead to overthinking, self-criticism, or withdrawing from social contact altogether. 

Understanding the ADHD and social anxiety link 

Recent research from PubMed and Frontiers in Psychology (2024–2025) shows that ADHD and social anxiety share underlying brain mechanisms, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, where dopamine and noradrenaline regulation affect emotional control and fear responses. Emotional intensity, impulsivity, and past experiences of rejection can make social interactions feel high-stakes or unpredictable, reinforcing anxiety over time. 

Evidence-based ways to manage social anxiety 

NICE and NHS recommend a combined approach addressing both ADHD and anxiety. Adapted cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) helps individuals manage unhelpful thoughts, practise social exposure, and build emotional awareness. Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) support self-regulation and tolerance of social discomfort. ADHD coaching can also strengthen planning and confidence for real-life situations.  

Private services like ADHD Certify offer post-diagnostic support that aligns with NICE standards, helping people develop coping strategies for anxiety and communication challenges. 

Key takeaway 

Social anxiety is common in ADHD but manageable. By combining therapy, self-awareness, and practical structure, it’s possible to approach social situations with more confidence, self-compassion, and calm. 

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.