Would Inttentive ADHD cause any issues in regards to social anxiety and being capable of forming relationships with people, mainly of my peer group? If so, how so......

Thanks everyone

Social anxiety is not something that 'has to' last forever no matter what anyone says. Its merely being WAY out of your comfort zone which causes fear to resonate within. Unless you build courage to step outside then yes, there are issues. What is taught in the Da Vinci Method, is instead of avoiding, or controlling your outside world, look at it theraputically. Learn from people and you will grow, along with your relationships. In my opionion it takes alot more time and effort for an innattentive to build a solid relationship with anyone due to our nature. But once we do, it lasts forever.

id have to agree with the above poster. I went to a social anxiety support group and turned out. The anxiety was based on avoidance and fear of the activity. Once i determined if those fears were legitimate or part of my avoidance techniques, I was able to begin to move forward.

Good luck in your process.

Would Inttentive ADHD cause any issues in regards to social anxiety and being capable of forming relationships with people, mainly of my peer group? If so, how so......

Thanks everyone



I'm glad you asked. I think so! I have held the hypothesis that the major cause of my social phobias is the inability to pass as common and, rather to attract notoriety. Contrary to that has been my lifelong wish to be only generic in appearance and manner.

I really think I'm O.K. It is the world that is F*%#ked Up! There is alot to be said for personal integrity and consciousness. But they are undetectable within an indifferent social matrix. I have gotten in alot of trouble for thinking at those troublesome times that I was doing nothing wrong. In have never been troubled by moral dilemmas but have drawn scorn from the appearance of "deviant" behavior.

At the the time all appears well then the affect of my personage triggers an immediate direct response or festers for awhile and manifests later with some scorn. As much as I continually try to understand and make the socially desired alterations to my on stage presentation I routinely fail.

Good luck and God's speed on your path!

I don't know if what I experience is social anxiety. Probably at least a little.
I just can't seem to develop *deep* relationships. I keep everything at arm's length. Probably a self esteem issue.

Well do people with inattentive ADHD get SAD as a secondary disorder? If so how?

Because of lack of attention and at the same time a lot of intuition, social situations can be just plain weird.

I agree alot of what many say above and that there are ways to geal with the anxiety. Research shows that many ADHD do have a form of anxiety which maybe linked or a casue of the way in which we feel we are accepted. There aremany theroies but many pleople write about ADD and ADHD and the issues with holding friendships and social anxiety. Ever need a friend to chat with hit me up I have ADHD and social anxiety and deal with both and starting to see the light.

I agree alot of what many say above and that there are ways to geal with the anxiety. Research shows that many ADHD do have a form of anxiety which maybe linked or a casue of the way in which we feel we are accepted. There aremany theroies but many pleople write about ADD and ADHD and the issues with holding friendships and social anxiety. Ever need a friend to chat with hit me up I have ADHD and social anxiety and deal with both and starting to see the light.


First off thanks EVERYONE for your feedback.

JJReadHd: Do you have Inattentive ADD or the hyper active type?

I have ADHD J ROCk and some Bipolar .

I have a bit of social anxiety. When I was a teenager, it was really a big problem. As I got older, it gradually improved. In some cases, I suspect that people with ADHD may get so used to being criticized that we get a little shy about interacting.

I have ADHD......


What type? The Inattentive type of the Hyperactive type

Hyper with Manic depression Bipolar

I have combined type ADHD (quite inattentive but predominantly hyperactive), but do occasionally come unstuck with bouts of social anxiety.
For example, I can cope with things such as going to the gym on my own as I am used to the layout and can expect to see the usual suspects there etc, but things like going to a class at university if the room has changed - I freak out about it and sometimes can't bring myself to go into the room, even if I know there will be the same people inside, but just the different venue can ruin my day.

I went out last night to get some take-out food from the shop I always go to, and I couldn't go inside as there was a crowd of about nine people already inside, I decided to walk around the block as I had the Dog with me and see if it was quieter on my way back - it wasn't. I ended up walking home without the food and ordered it over the phone and paying an extra two pounds to have it delivered to my door!

Sometimes it just gets the better of me, I think about it afterwards and it drives me crazy. I miss out on so much because of this, I screw up with friends/family because sometimes I just have to walk away or sit silently staring at my hands if something around me in the environment is making me uncomfortable, or I see that they're going to a place that I know I will struggle with even setting foot inside.

It seems ridiculous to me that things such as a venue change, or an unknown person showing up unexpectedly can affect me so much, but they do.
I can't explain it.

Logic

It seems ridiculous to me that things such as a venue change, or an unknown person showing up unexpectedly can affect me so much, but they do.
I can't explain it.
Logic

wow I thought I was the only one was affected by things like that!
I have a terrible time with places being unexpectedly crowded - one of the reasons I have a late lunch...

Stef: I can explain it to a certain degree, this 'social anxiety' that I occasionally suffer (suffer being having it badly, it's always 'present' with me but normally not so severe) with is attributed to my autistic tendencies according to a psychologist. Especially the part about being emphatically affected by sudden changes to routines/environments.

Logic

What I don't understand is how someone with the Hyperactive part of ADHD have problems with SAD. Every person I've ever met with Hyperactive ADHD was eager to entertain, feed off the energy of people, and very upbeat........ All very attractive social qualities.

Everyone is different, I don't just have ADHD, I have co-morbid autistic tendencies. As far as "Every person I've ever met with Hyperactive ADHD was eager to enertain" goes; personally I'm done playing the role of the performing seal, and would much rather remain quiet in a group for an internalised fear of making a fool out of myself by saying/doing something inadvertantly rude or inappropriate.
Most of the time, I'm fine; I have no problem at all with being in public places, surrounded by people or going to a 'new' place/environment (my descision to be there). But there are times when I'm washed over by the unrelenting urge to 'get out' or panic about things like my routine getting altered, or an unexpected venue change (not my descision, out of my control).
Generally when this happens, I go for a walk or a run with the dog, I avoid one situation by replacing it with another, more acceptable one.

I can be the 'life' of a party sometimes, and other times I can be found sitting in the quietest place I can find chewing my fingers... It's all relative to the particular situation I find myself in.

Logic

@Logic

Thanks for the post. Medically speaking why is it that some people have troubles in Social Situations? I know all the introvert/exrovert stuff. I am like you sometimes I can be the life of the party other times I am very withdrawn. But left to my own devices I will isolate myself from people. Of course that generates a whole new set of additional problems.....

Sometimes we just need our own space, constantly being around/surrounded by other people can become psychologically intrusive, and you have to isolate yourself for however long it may take to resume feeling 'back to normal'. Then you can reinstate yourself with social interaction as you choose and see fit.

I like to spend a few days in my own company sometimes, I throw a tent and a sleeping bag on my bike and just ride about until I see something I like. Quality time is time well spent with yourself and those with whom you allow into your life.

Logic

Logic: I can be the 'life' of a party sometimes, and other times I can be found sitting in the quietest place I can find chewing my fingers... It's all relative to the particular situation I find myself in.

I grew up as a wallflower/doormat type and prefered being alone or with one other person. I DO NOT LIKE CROWDS. Social gatherings drive me nuts! I keep a low profile in groups unless I for whatever reason am in charge, then I'm still nervous but not nearly as much.

firstdesserts: Definitely agree there, situations I'm in charge/control of I'm fine, no problems. However, even when I appear to be fine, I'm usually brimming with nervous energy just below the surface and feel like my skin is itching and I have trouble remaining still.
If I'm feeling a bit lost or not in control/charge of whatever I am doing, I start to withdraw from it until I find myself sitting in a corner chewing my fingers away from the rest of the people, or taking a walk outside for a while (hands stuffed firmly in pockets to stop myself biting at them:rolleyes:). Sometimes, I can't bring myself back from this 'state' I get into and just leave.

Logic

Only neccessity of musical performance was able to force me into dealing with social anxiety. I probably never would've made it with the Hyperactivity on top of that! I'ld rather sit here and watch for someone to post their 100th and see their rank change from Member to ADDvanced Member. (Small things amuse small people!)(NO! Don't look now!)

But once I got to the point where I could keep people's attention with music - I was in control! Every time I get up in front of people, I still ask myself, "WHAT ARE you doing?!"

Stef: I can explain it to a certain degree, this 'social anxiety' that I occasionally suffer (suffer being having it badly, it's always 'present' with me but normally not so severe) with is attributed to my autistic tendencies according to a psychologist. Especially the part about being emphatically affected by sudden changes to routines/environments.

Logic

- do you think I might have autistic tendencies ?! That never entered my mind actually.
However I grew up following very set routines (my mom's way of coping with her anxiety I think, I used to just believe it was because my parents were "boring") - so when something is "different" I can be quite affected. Moving was very hard for me, even in the same city; to see my own furniture and things carried off like that...yikes...

Stef: Moving can be one of the most stressful events for anyone, I certainly found it to be a difficult process, but mostly that was centred around my mis-managing of the whole complicated ordeal... ; )
I would suggest that if this is something that bothers you on a frequent basis, do some research and gather together a set or list of symptoms/qestions you would like answered, and see how they compare to common symptoms/explanations within the research field. I was told about my tendencies when I was little, but just because I've known about it 'longer' doesn't mean I'm any less confused about how it affects me sometimes... Just glad I've got a sense of humour really... : )

Logic

Do people with Inattentive ADHD develop Social Anxiety? Do you think it could be a contributing factor, since SAD is on the rise and is the 3rd largest problem Americans face Depression being 1 and Alcoholism being 2....


Thanks in advance

I think so. Anxiety disorders are often tied to an overactive brain system known as the basal ganglia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basal_ganglia), essentially this part of the brain plays a big role as to how fast one "idles". If this region is overactive (such as in most worry warts, work-aholics, and many type "A" personalities), then obsessive-compulsive and anxiety-related disorders can be common.

Interestingly, there may also be a connection between anxiety and processing disorders (http://adhd-treatment-options.blogspot.com/2009/03/adhd-and-auditory-processing-disorders.html) (auditory or otherwise), which are more common and overlap in symptoms with ADHD. Just a bit of personal insight, great question :)

We pick up on the body language and social cues of people that we talk to. We perceive that most people have difficulty conversing with us, thanks in large part to our lowered working memory abilities. We already know this. Being creatures that remember past experiences and relate them to the future actions, my disability causes me to fear speaking with others. Fear=Anxiety. Anxiety increases my inability to focus on those I'm talking to. The two disabilities can be somewhat conjoined, but I think that my primary disability stems from my working memory problems and SAD is a powerful secondary symptom. My all-too-simple explanation.

It sounds plausible TheJdogg. And it tends to pile up gradually. SAD itself can be autokatalytic.

Though not as well versed in medical knowledge as some of my friends that have already posted, my experience I can share.

I feel that social inadequacy led for me, social anxiety. The first caused by adhd, the second caused by the first. Whether my conclusion is correct, I don't know. Yet that is what makes sense to me.

There are various ideas about the comorbidity of anxiety and ADHD. One that makes a lot of sense to me involves the amygdala. The amygdala is a brain structure that plays a key role in fear and anxiety responses. The frontal cortex normally inhibits activity in the amygdala, which is part of the reason that we can sometimes use our intelligence and reason to keep our fear under control.

According to some, the frontal cortex doesn't inhibit the amygdala as well in persons with ADHD, making anxiety more likely.

If you are interested, here's a reasonably recent scholarly review:


Neuropsychopharmacology. 2004 Sep;29(9):1589-96.

Synaptic gating and ADHD: a biological theory of comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety.

Levy F (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=Search&Term=%22Levy%20F%22%5BAuthor%5D&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsP anel.Pubmed_DiscoveryPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstractPlus).
School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia. f.levy@unsw.edu.au
To derive a biologically based theory of comorbidity in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Theoretical concepts and empirical studies were reviewed to determine whether the behavioral inhibition concept provided an understanding of biological processes involved in comorbidity in ADHD. Empirical studies of ADHD have shown comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety, while studies of behavioral inhibition tend to suggest independent disruptive and anxiety traits. This paradox can be resolved by an understanding of the dynamics of mesolimbic dopamine (DA) systems, where reward and delay of reinforcement are determined by tonic/phasic DA relationships, resulting in impulsive 'fearless' responses when impaired. On the other hand, comorbid anxiety is related to impaired synaptic processes, which selectively gate fear (or aggressive) responses from the amygdala at the accumbens. Monosynaptic convergence between prefrontal, hippocampal, and amygdala projection neurons at the accumbens allows the operation of a synaptic gating mechanism between prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, and amygdala. Impairment of this mechanism by lowered PFC inhibition allows greater amygdala input, and anxiety-related processes more impact, over the accumbens. In conclusion, a dual theory incorporating long-term tonic/phasic mesolimbic DA relationships and secondly impairment of PFC and hippocampal inputs to synaptic gating of anxiety at the accumbens has implications for comorbidity in ADHD, as well as for possible pharmacological interventions, utilizing either stimulant or axiolytic interventions. The use of DA partial agonists may also be of interest.

There is also something to be said for thinking about social anxiety in more purely psychological terms. If you have trouble paying attention to a conversation and/or remembering what has been said, you're more likely to feel anxious about talking to people. Perhaps the neuroscience end of it is a red herring and it's no more complicated than that. At this point, I don't think anyone knows for sure.

It sounds plausible TheJdogg. And it tends to pile up gradually. SAD itself can be autokatalytic.


you mean SAD can, like spread to others?

Absentmindedprof
I only got a B.A. and i love your screen name. I can relate. Is this article based on studies of traditional ADHDers? Are PI types included? Are they similar in this study? I don't know too much about neuroscience. I just stumbled upon the ADHD-pi forum a couple days ago and i find it fascinating. I'm trying to educate myself as much as possible on the subject. Thanks a lot!

I went out last night to get some take-out food from the shop I always go to, and I couldn't go inside as there was a crowd of about nine people already inside, I decided to walk around the block as I had the Dog with me and see if it was quieter on my way back - it wasn't. I ended up walking home without the food and ordered it over the phone and paying an extra two pounds to have it delivered to my door!


It seems ridiculous to me that things such as a venue change, or an unknown person showing up unexpectedly can affect me so much, but they do.
I can't explain it.

Logic

I can't tell you how many late fees I've had to pay because I couldn't bring myself to deal with going into a public place. Familiar people in a new place is not as bad for me as strangers in a familiar place. Strange people in a strange is the absolute worst. I purchased 'What does everybody know that I don't: Social skills help for adults with adhd'. I just started reading it yesterday so I can't give it a thumbs up yet, but so far it seems worth the money.

I have some social anxiety, although I couldn't really call it a disorder, since I'm able to do lots of interactions such as order pizza, whatever. I just don't like going places and "mingling," "schmoozing," and having to "get to know" lots of people I've never met.
I believe the ADHD-I came first, not the anxiety. I've analyzed the reasons why I get anxious, and it's this:
1. too much input...too many people and voices, overloads my brain.
2. when speaking with one person in a crowd, all the abovementioned things tug at my attention. so even if I manage to think of something to say, maybe a minute later I"ll notice I haven't heard a thing they said in reply, because I was distracted by X. and when you haven't heard what someone said, how can you respond?
3. the other thing is SCT. sometimes I just can't comprehend what people are saying fast enough, leading them to think I am not interested.

Knowing this will happen is what contributes to that knawing anxiety and ensuing avoidant behaviors.
However, I do enjoy people/entertaining, I just do much better in situations where it's people I already know AND/OR small gatherings. Less distractions.

I remember looking for more info on SAD some time ago, but I didn't know it was common for it to have a relationship with ADHD (probably because I was disgnosed with adhd recently) and I'm a bit relieved to see it here, though not surprised. With (thankfully) some exceptions, I've been missing out from having bonds with people my entire life. I agree with J-dogg that it has to do with memory: forgetting what someone said the sentence before is not going to help a friendship blossom lol. I think that also ties in with our unattentiveness: following along with what's being said verbally, though body language, etc. These things I just couldn't quite do, especially with new people. (I also have an issue maintaining my own train of thought.)

i remember going to kindergarden excited for a change from home, but I think as the years went on and kids became more capable of having stronger relationships, I wasn't. And after years and years of this, somehow, the SAD might have gradually developed.

My med treatment for ADHD changed all this: I'm happy to be around people now. Has anyone else noticed this too?

Thanks Mole Rat, for articulating your issues. I think it brings up a confusing and important point about "social anxiety" and inattentive adhd: a lot of the social issues are -directly- related to, or resulting from, the adhd symptoms. Like overstimulation; inability to filter out background noise and goings-on; inability to filter out information/input that you don't want to deal with (like how someone seems to be reacting to you, or if they are annoying you or whatever, or your own very sensitive intuition or empathy); inability to focus on the one conversation in a sea of others; difficulty processing what someone is saying +what you need to say + social norms + memory in real time; to name some issues.
It also strikes me that a lot of us seem to be able to interact socially with ease in some circumstances- and not in others- so small talk/shmoozing seems to be hard or awful for a lot of us, but structured conversations, small groups, intense discussions, might be fine.

I just often wonder where the line is between the ADHD itself and when it is labeled social anxiety. Not that there is an answer to this... I do find it useful to figure out how the adhd plays a direct role.

Like Mole Rat, I find it easier to deal w/ all kinds of social situations if I know what to expect of myself and my own reactions, and plan out some kinds of reactions or conversations.
FWIW I find unexpected phone conversations the hardest sometimes! I feel shy in some contexts but a lot of people wouldn't believe that about me.



I have some social anxiety, although I couldn't really call it a disorder, since I'm able to do lots of interactions such as order pizza, whatever. I just don't like going places and "mingling," "schmoozing," and having to "get to know" lots of people I've never met.
I believe the ADHD-I came first, not the anxiety. I've analyzed the reasons why I get anxious, and it's this:
1. too much input...too many people and voices, overloads my brain.
2. when speaking with one person in a crowd, all the abovementioned things tug at my attention. so even if I manage to think of something to say, maybe a minute later I"ll notice I haven't heard a thing they said in reply, because I was distracted by X. and when you haven't heard what someone said, how can you respond?
3. the other thing is SCT. sometimes I just can't comprehend what people are saying fast enough, leading them to think I am not interested.

Knowing this will happen is what contributes to that knawing anxiety and ensuing avoidant behaviors.
However, I do enjoy people/entertaining, I just do much better in situations where it's people I already know AND/OR small gatherings. Less distractions.

Good points. I rarely frequent bars during the crazy hours (midnight) because the music is so loud I can barely think. It definitly over loads my brain and I have a difficult time processing all that is happening. That I believe leads to my SA

Very interesting thread. :) I love people and enjoy talking to them, but find my problems arise in crowds, or even in smaller groups where multiple people are talking at once. Part of my ADD is my inability to filter out sensory overload - too much noise, and I can "shut down". To other people, it looks like I'm being snobby by staring into space and not talking to anyone. It's not that at all! I simply can't process what's going on and in self-defense, my brain shuts everything out.

It's worse when I'm tired or haven't prepared myself mentally for the situation.

Oddly, I've found if I haul my laptop to a noisy coffee house I get loads of work done, I think because of this ability to shut everything out. If I'm in a quiet environment and hear a small noise, bam! My concentration is broken. But in a pleasant, chattering environment (not like a construction site or anything, lol), I can somehow ignore everything and work.

Hi,

I'm new here and will repeat what others have said- I've finally found home!!

I'll just jump right in-

social situations-

entering a bar/restaurant to meet people used to KILL me. I couldn't do it. I have finally finally trained myself to get over it and just go in. If I don't see the people I'm meeting I have to enter and either A) go to the bar and get a drink or B) go to the restroom. That's the only way I can not freak out is if I know exactly what I'll do in case of either scenario..

Other social inadequacies-

Interrupting people or changing the subject...not knowing when is the right time to enter a conversation...uncomfortable silences, you know when you try to talk over them, then you realize it and stop talking but they've already stopped talking, then you both sit there for about three seconds, then you both start talking again... repeat...

Not introducing myself properly or inability to look people in the eye when talking to them..I have gotten better with this but it has taken a LOT of practice and inner pep talks to myself...

Unable to form deep LASTING friendships..

Either not saying anything or saying something and totally criticizing the heck out of myself for saying that... why did I say that? that was really stupid... they prob think I'm really stupid now....ect.

Oh yeah, I'm inattentive, if you hadn't figured that out already :)

I have the same issue as Mole Rat.

I even have been able to notice that I can be more competitive with people I know, such as in sports and board games, than with strangers. Its odd, but I don't like to compete in things with strangers, because my anxiety leads me to underestimate people I don't know. I hate long lines, and would rather miss a concert, for instance, than stand in line to get a ticket.

I also feel like they are judging me. I then zone out while trying to rationalize with myself how silly I am acting, which looks like I am ignoring people or not interested in conversations.

In addition, I also get saturated with irrelevant ambient noises and other conversations.

Is that SAD?:confused:

I have ADHD combined type, with a few autistic tendencies, such as being bad at reading between lines, reading emotions, reading facial expressions, not always making eye contact or keeping conversations reciprical. I was also put down a lot as a child for ADHD symptoms and those slightly autistic issues, which actually can sometimes be part of ADHD, so I have SPD (Social Phobia Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder) I am getting over it a little at a time.. I will always have those social impairments, but I am learning that just because they are there, I don't need to be afraid or try to avoid social situations and people. They're not always watching what I do, and they're not always judging me.. It takes a while to grasp that sometimes. So for me, yes, my ADHD did cause some of my social anxiety issues. Does that mean they will always be there? No. Can I overcome them? Yes. And you can too.

I have the same issue as Mole Rat.

I even have been able to notice that I can be more competitive with people I know, such as in sports and board games, than with strangers. Its odd, but I don't like to compete in things with strangers, because my anxiety leads me to underestimate people I don't know. I hate long lines, and would rather miss a concert, for instance, than stand in line to get a ticket.

I also feel like they are judging me. I then zone out while trying to rationalize with myself how silly I am acting, which looks like I am ignoring people or not interested in conversations.

In addition, I also get saturated with irrelevant ambient noises and other conversations.

Is that SAD?:confused:

Yes it sounds like SAD. http://www.socialanxietysupport.com/disorder/

Also check out the forums on that site, lots of good people with very informative info.

-Jrock

Hi,

I'm new here and will repeat what others have said- I've finally found home!!I know what you mean. I keep saying "MY PEOPLE"!!

I'll just jump right in-

social situations-

entering a bar/restaurant to meet people used to KILL me. I couldn't do it. I have finally finally trained myself to get over it and just go in. If I don't see the people I'm meeting I have to enter and either A) go to the bar and get a drink or B) go to the restroom. That's the only way I can not freak out is if I know exactly what I'll do in case of either scenario..

Other social inadequacies-

Interrupting people or changing the subject...not knowing when is the right time to enter a conversation...uncomfortable silences, you know when you try to talk over them, then you realize it and stop talking but they've already stopped talking, then you both sit there for about three seconds, then you both start talking again... repeat...

Not introducing myself properly or inability to look people in the eye when talking to them..I have gotten better with this but it has taken a LOT of practice and inner pep talks to myself...

Unable to form deep LASTING friendships..

Either not saying anything or saying something and totally criticizing the heck out of myself for saying that... why did I say that? that was really stupid... they prob think I'm really stupid now....ect.

Oh yeah, I'm inattentive, if you hadn't figured that out already :)This is a real eye opener for me (well, pretty much everything I read here is...I was diagnosed less than two weeks ago). I am definitely inattentive. Before the ADD thing was known, for the longest time I thought I was agoraphobic because I didn't know a better word for what I felt. I now think I suffer from social anxiety (I want to get together with friends but sometimes I just CAN'T). But it's also coupled with "overload"... I used to love to take walks as a kid. I loath walking now. I really enjoy it while I'm doing it, but I notice EVERYTHING, bushes, flowers, sky, trees, lawn ornaments, animals, people, weeds, shapes of things, patterns, color schemes (I'm a painter and I inevitably start working with things in my head). It's too much, too mentally challenging, and I just can't face doing it more than once in a blue moon. I just started on a treadmill, however, and I love it! I wish I had gotten one years ago. I'm finally getting some exercise! Nothing to see here... :P

What you said about friendships... This makes me remember that pretty much all of my good friends I have because they made the effort to stay in touch with me. If it had been up to me to make the phone call, it would never have happened, no matter how much I loved them.

I'd have to disagree with those who say that one can simply "overcome" social anxiety - while that may be true for a few, for the rest of us, it's just not the case...

I have ADHD-inattentive, yet my "real" (underlying) dx is NLD - nonverbal learning disorder - which *often* involves social anxiety. ironically, I'm also *extremely* outgoing by nature. I was a pro sports insurance agent for over a decade, having hidden my severe social anxiety problem my entire life - not even my *parents* had a clue - that is, until i *told* them, at age 32....

before that, i'd gone to every kind of therapy imaginable - and read tons of books, took many different SSRI's and benzo's - none did a darn thing (even 3 full mgs of xanax didn't touch it!)...then, one day, i stumbled upon something about Adderall being effective - after my first (10mg, immediate release) dose, BINGO!! -

adderall changed my life changed dramatically - i instantly went from not being able to even get my own mail (from my mailbox, which is right next to my front door), to being able to speak in front of a crowd of 500 - with NO problem! and now, over five years later, that same dose of Adderall works that same miracle - every single day.

btw, i belonged to an online social anxiety (aka "social phobia", as it was called back then) support group for YEARS - not one person in that group (of several hundred) had ever overcome their social anxiety - yet, once they learned about adderall, almost half of them were ALSO instantly "cured"! (so long as they remember to take the med every day, that is!). :)

btw, i belonged to an online social anxiety (aka "social phobia", as it was called back then) support group for YEARS - not one person in that group (of several hundred) had ever overcome their social anxiety - yet, once they learned about adderall, almost half of them were ALSO instantly "cured"! (so long as they remember to take the med every day, that is!). :)

Which site?

I believe the ADHD-I came first, not the anxiety. I've analyzed the reasons why I get anxious, and it's this:
1. too much input...too many people and voices, overloads my brain.
2. when speaking with one person in a crowd, all the abovementioned things tug at my attention. so even if I manage to think of something to say, maybe a minute later I"ll notice I haven't heard a thing they said in reply, because I was distracted by X. and when you haven't heard what someone said, how can you respond?
3. the other thing is SCT. sometimes I just can't comprehend what people are saying fast enough, leading them to think I am not interested.

YES!!! That is me, dead on. When I first suspected I had ADHD (which turned out to be the case, needless to say) and was seeing a psychiatrist, they told me I had social anxiety disorder and put me on Sertraline (aka Zoloft). While this did improve many of my symptoms, it wasn't long before it became apparent that ADHD was also present. I'm still on the Sertraline, and I suspect that there is an interrelation of the two disorders in my case. I would imagine this is true of anyone: having anxiety about my surroundings prevents me from thinking clearly. But in my case, it is my innability to think clearly that contributes to my anxiety. So, I have found that I must regard anxiety and ADHD as two sides of the same thing.

Further, in order for me to concentrate, I must be very mindful of my surroundings. This is something I struggle with every day. My ADHD tendencies leave my living space a wreck...which contributes more to my ADHD tendencies. In order to study, I have to go to a coffee shop or library, where things are very orderly. By having to study elsewhere, I end up spending more money than I ought to, which contributes to my anxiety. This is a cycle I'm trying desperately to get out of. Does anyone have any suggestions? (yes I'm aware that "clean your appartment" is the obvious solution... it's been my project for almost 2 years now).

I don't have much to add here but I do wish to observe that this thread is an excellent example why we needed an "Inattentive ADD" forum.

Oh and I have found my ability to handle crowds has improved since I started taking medication -- and carrying a taser... :cool:

Reading on this forum is just so weird to me sometimes. Reading this thread is like you all know me already.
Medically I am not being properly medicated, so I am dealing with my problems the best way I know how, and my best is not so good. I avoid things a lot, and I hate being social. I spend 95% of my time home, although not always alone because my fiance lives with me. My mother tells me she'd go crazy in my shoes, but I would go crazy in hers, because she constantly needs to socialize and be around people.
Is it ok to continue to live this way? Do I really need to try to socialize more, or can I continue to avoid and be in my "own little world"? I much prefer it this way, much less anxiety, although I still have a lot, hehe.

Growing up, my family moved around the western states so frequently that I was never able to finish a grade level at a single school. I attended two different schools for first grade, three different schools for second, and so on. I was ALWAYS the new kid! What's worse is that my given name is Nelson, so kids would immediately call me Nellie. I had to make a concerted effort my first day to approach the teacher and explain to her that I prefer to be called by my middle name, Randy.

It was a huge ordeal for me and caused major panic attacks and anxiety. I would come home crying after being nit-picked by the other kids over the different style of clothes I was wearing or my haircut, or anything in general and would refuse to go back. My mom would would usually calm me down by saying things like "They're just jealous, don't pay any attention to them." or "You're so much more intelligent, better looking, etc." Somehow, I was able to assimilate, but was always the "Shy" kid, with one quirk; seeing someone being picked on in school always sent me into a rage and I would immediately go up to the bully and kick the crap out of them in front of everyone, which lead to my being suspended and viewed as the problem child. :mad:

Being forced into those situations, with someone behind me, constantly pushing, helped me later in life.

By the time I entered High School, I found I started caring less and less over what others thought of me which lead to me being labeled as arrogant or stuck-up. I still had difficulty walking into a public place, and could never get up in front of the class without a complete melt-down.

By my mid twenties or so, that "They're just jealous" attitude became my motto. My wife still has to push me into some social situations and I usually don't speak unless spoken to (Results in the arrogant label), but I'm not crawling out of my skin anymore.

Everyone seeks acceptance and approval by others, nobody wants to be anti-social. But why does it matter so? Why do I need the approval of a stranger? If, in my mind, I know it to be true, why do I need reinforcement by someone I may never see again in my lifetime? If I walk into a room full of people and notice heads turn in my direction, does it really matter if the biker in the corner gives me a dirty look, or the two yuppies sitting at a bar giggle and smirk?

Nope....They're just jealous.