I think I suffer from avoidant personality disorder, any advice?

Question

I got the psychiatrist on the NHS, so don't really feel that I can "get what I pay for" or whatever, as I'm not actually paying anything.

Answer 1

if you think you suffer from it you probably dont , as one key feature os that patients dont realise they are sufferers , however you can seek advice from your gp who can transfer you to a counseller who can diagnose / help you in the best way

avoidant PD - Sensitive to rejection self depricating agressive when rejected can harm themselves aswell as others. \dont form lasting realtionships

Even if you dont have it then its probably a good idea with any of these symptoms to see someone maybe about anger mangement

Answer 2

On speaches and presentations... I too am shy. Two things helped me tremendously here. The first was to really know that most everyone else was nervous or afraid to present. I don't mean to superficially know that, but to know deeply inside because it's true. The second was more useful. I knew that at least 75% would suck. Some would suck big time. I could not possibly suck more than average. :) Regarding AVD, continue to work with a therapist. This isn't something that you should just throw yourself out into the world without continuing to work on with help. It's like tying a hand behind your back. Work with someone who will help you help yourself. As the first guy said, shy and nice is intriguing to many. Go for that. I mean feel your emotions fully. Listen to what they are telling, and act constructively on that info. It's a key to living well. Niceness will follow naturally.

Answer 3

Hi there, not sure form your question whether or not you have been formally diagnosed or you just think that you have avoidant PD.

There are a number of schools of thought regarding PD, historically it was always thought that it was untreatable, however, there has been significant advances made with borderline PD using Schema-focussed therapy, which shares a number of characteristics with avoidant types. It may be worth checking out to see if you can get to see someone who is proficient in this form of therapy. Another possibility would be cognitive behavioural therapy, which again could be helpful at looking at some of the underlying beliefs that drive you to behave in the way you do. This is much more readily available and would certainly be worth a try. In my experience medication does not work with PD. It may help take the edge of anxiety, but by it's nature avoidant types are far more likely than others to become dependent on these drugs rather than managing the anxiety through other means. Again, trying to source a course in anxiety management may be another option. Your GP may have access to graduate mental health workers who offer either short one to one therapy programmes or self-help advice. Again, it's worth checking out what is available.

I hope that this helps and good luck.

Answer 4

I have AVPD as well, and unfortunately there isn't much you can do. Therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists don't even like to give the diagnosis of any personality disorder because so few people actually have them. Not that therapy would work. As avoidants, we don't exactly enjoy seeing someone regularly to discuss ourselves.

People also confuse AVPD with social anxiety disorder, even though there is quite a big difference. However, an anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication would probably work best. They do for me anyway, though I could quite easily become a full fledged "shut in."

Answer 5

Look up the DSM-IV criteria for Avoidant Personality Disorder, and determine if that's what you are dealing with or not. If you believe you have it, find a provider that specializes in personality disorders-- a psychologist. If you have insurance contact them to find a provider who's within your network, and if you dont have insurance, Family and Children's Services as well as Lutheran Social Services, and I'm sure other organizations I'm unaware of, offer free or sliding-fee services. I don't believe it's true, as previously stated, that "if you think you have it you don't". No one knows you like you know yourself. And with avoidant personality, you are probly unlikely to open up, even to professionals, so others may not be able to get the "whole picture". In the mental health system, I don't believe you can completely rely on others to help you. You have to be your own advocate and help yourself as well.

Answer 6

Avoidant personality disorder is not simply just "avoiding things." It's a psychiatric disorder, and in order to be diagnosed with it (which only a doctor can do) you have to meet the criteria listed in the DSM.

I suggest that you see a psychiatrist. They are the best qualified to diagnose and treat psychiatric illnesses.

Answer 7

I have never heard of that term before. Do you mean anti-social or an axiety disorder? While you are waiting to see a professional, you could research your symptoms at some site like http://www.webmd.com or http://www.healthyplace.com which is devoted to mental health. I prefer the first. Try to pinpoint your exact symptoms and match them up with their findings. I personally have an anxiety disorder that includes agoraphobia which makes me kind of anti-social....but I have never heard of avoidant personality disorder. That one's beyond me. Check out WebMd. And get help if you need it. No need to suffer needlessly. There's meds for things, just about everything!

Answer 8

What do you mean by that? I'm not sure if many people understand what avoidant personality disorder is . A tendency to avoid doing things?

Answer 9

Cure Social Anxiety Shyness : http://SocialAnxiety.uzaev.com/?osKF

Answer 10

This is a very good blog, a beginner’s guide to abnormal psychology.
Short, clear and simple; and you can even post your question and contact the author regarding particular subject you are interested in

http://sensitive-psychoworld.blogspot.com/