Panic Disorder vs Social Anxiety Disorder: Key Differences & Similarities

Key Differences

Panic attacks
Panic Disorder: Core
Social Anxiety Disorder: Common
Explanation: In panic disorder, sudden intense panic episodes are a central concern, while in social anxiety they are more likely to happen in feared social or performance situations.
Fear of being judged
Panic Disorder: Associated
Social Anxiety Disorder: Core
Explanation: A strong fear of others judging you is much more central to social anxiety than to panic disorder.
Fear of criticism
Panic Disorder: Associated
Social Anxiety Disorder: Core
Explanation: Social anxiety is more likely to involve ongoing sensitivity to criticism, while this is less central in panic disorder.
Difficulty having conversations
Panic Disorder: Associated
Social Anxiety Disorder: Core
Explanation: Trouble speaking with others is more likely to be a persistent social-anxiety concern than a main feature of panic disorder.
Tingling or numbness
Panic Disorder: Core
Social Anxiety Disorder: Associated
Explanation: Tingling or numbness is more characteristic of panic episodes, while in social anxiety it is less central and more tied to stressful social situations.

Key Similarities

Symptom How it is similar
Avoiding situations or responsibilities Both can involve avoiding situations that feel threatening, overwhelming, or hard to face.
Heart racing or pounding Both can involve a racing or pounding heart during anxiety, which can make the two feel similar in the moment.
Excessive sweating Sweating can occur in both conditions when anxiety becomes physically intense.
Shaking or trembling Both can involve visible or internal trembling during periods of high anxiety.
Feeling emotionally overwhelmed Both can involve feeling flooded or unable to cope when anxiety is triggered.

Most often taken Self-Assessments

1 14