Although similar in some ways, the differences between panic
disorder and social anxiety disorder (SAD) outweigh the
similarities. Here is a quick rundown of the top five
differences between panic disorder and SAD: - People with panic
disorder usually search for a medical explanation for their
anxiety -- people with SAD do not. - Panic attacks happen
without warning in any setting – symptoms of social anxiety
appear only in social or performance settings. - People with
panic disorder often like to have a trusted friend with them –
people with SAD usually prefer to be alone. - People with panic
disorder may develop agoraphobia – people with SAD do not. -
Therapy for panic disorder focuses on understanding bodily
sensations – therapy for SAD focuses on beliefs about your
abilities and the abilities of others.