Quote:
Originally Posted by sumowira
Most people who self-diagnose don't want to see a doctor. They become very adamant, clinging to the label for dear life.
According to studies, AvPD is nearly always not the actual diagnosis when someone tries to self-diagnose, because it's very hard to have perspective when self-reflecting, especially in times of crisis. There are traits that don't bother people that could clearly point to a different diagnosis - even a physical ailment - so people overlook or ignore them. They overstate the impact of their difficulties, because those are what stand out to them.
People understand that they have to take it with a grain of salt when they throw a list of symptoms into a search engine and WebMD spits out a list of physical diseases. I don't understand why they aren't as savvy when it is a mental disorder that pops up when they do a search.
I agree it is not a smart move to avoid evaluation, and here's why - if you don't have an actual diagnosis, then you'll never find effective treatment. You don't start a trip around the world by grabbing a shovel and digging a hole in your backyard.
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Good point about lack of self-reflecting abilities, esp. in times of crisis. And I agree that lack of a documented diagnosis seldom (never) leads to effective treatment. I'm miserable, being isolated and avoidant and feeling incapable of changing my situation. But, I have an experienced therapist, which gives me some hope that at least some of my frustration and misery at not being able to change my personality traits can be addressed and perhaps mediated to allow a happier future.
One other point I was thinking of when I stated avoiding evaluation wasn't a smart move is that personality disorders are serious. They aren't the common cold of mental disorders. It's in the best interest of the individual to be professionally diagnosed so that the person is not burdened with a diagnosis that could alter their entire life - though I would hope that no one would simply take the word of the individual and would require professional documentation.