(Because diagnosis keeps popping up. And AvPD seems a rather niche category.)

Personally, I don't worry too much about official diagnoses. (Although an incorrect one can be harmful.) I'd rather that any therapist or personal effort work on my individual issues as they exist in my unique combination. A diagnosis is a useful shorthand and can advise treatment plans initially, but eventually people have to dig a little deeper than that anyways.

But then, I've been at this a long time. I certainly understand that people initially want to have some better overall idea of what is happening and how to deal with it.

As has been stated before, to really obtain a diagnosis, you have to see (preferably more than one) professional in person. And then consider everything you've learned, and keep researching. With thoughtfulness and insight, you will eventually know yourself better than anyone else.

Heck, a number of professionals don't seem to have any time for, or belief in, AvPD as a category and slap a Social Anxiety Disorder on it instead. In fairness, the diagnostic categories have changed over the years.

As time goes on, I've started to feel much more strongly about doing my own research. I think it's very important -- so long as you don't latch on to a certain idea prematurely and remain receptive to other possibilities and developments.

If it helps to talk to like minded people here, then great. This sub-forum can still be useful for people who are avoidant, even if they aren't technically AvPD.

Just my two cents, of course.



And, er ... what was the question again?

Oh yes, experiencing AvPD sucks.