The Examination of the Relationship Between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder: A Review Study

A review of studies has revealed a paucity of research on social anxiety levels in individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the comorbidity of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and social anxiety levels. The literature review examined studies conducted between 2001 and 2025, aiming to contribute to the literature on the relationship between ADHD and Social Anxiety. Qualitative research methods were employed in this study. This study included studies published between 2001 and 2025 in Turkish, registered with the Council of Higher Education Thesis Documentation Center and accessible electronically, including authorized studies from Google Scholar, postgraduate theses, and foreign sources. A significant relationship between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder was observed. Clinical findings also revealed that many children diagnosed with ADHD also exhibited symptoms such as depression and anxiety. It has been determined that social anxiety disorder accompanying ADHD can impair individuals' neurocognitive functions, leading to significant problems in areas such as attention, impulse control, and working memory. Many studies in the literature have linked inattention and hyperactivity to social anxiety in many cases. Clinical and literature studies also support this finding with various explanations. Individuals diagnosed with ADHD in childhood experience anxiety and anxious attachment in adulthood. In some cases, medications used after diagnosis, family history, and developing psychological conditions can explain comorbidity. It has been concluded that the prevalence of comorbid social anxiety disorder in individuals diagnosed with ADHD is between 15% and 35%. The number of studies on this topic in the literature is quite limited, and therefore, this study is crucial as it contributes to future studies.