Get professionally diagnosed first then do the research working your information back and forth with your psych.
Forget all the BS in-between or you're going to struggle or waste time on something you don't have.

Research what you have been professionally diagnosed with.
Because what if someone like me asked you "what is AvPD?.... you should be able to answer it right if your diagnosing yourself with it!
Plus what's the difference between the symptoms of Depression and AvPD because Depression will make you withdraw and avoid....but that's not AvPD.
Can you see what I'm getting at?
Don't use the AvPD forum as research either because most of what's written comes way of those who don't have the disorder, but by those who only connection to AvPD is the word "Avoiding.

I'm sure other sections within this forum is brilliant but in-regards to research using the AvPD forum is not a true example of AvPD.
Sorry- just being honest.