[Ultra Darkness]

Can anyone tell me what the difference between avpd and social anxiety is? They seem very similar, and I'm getting confused trying to figure myself out.

[Travelinglady]

My general impression is that Avpd is a more comprehensive, serious disorder, but I am no expert. Have you read a more detailed book about Avpd? Since it is a personality disorder, then it would by definition be integrated into all the person's actions/feelings. Social anxiety might be more minor, maybe with just avoiding certain social situations.

That's my guess, anyway.

[Captainkeefy]

I think this is a question ultra darkness. My psychiatrist gave me the diagnostic manual and told me to read about Avoidant Personality Disorder. Then when I was finished she said that's what describes you.

I'm not sure this describes me that well, I would say I can have social anxiety at times but from what I've read it effects one percent of the population. I know a lot of people who are more nervous than me in a social situation. Another thing, I don't avoid company, I don't withdraw from intimacy, I wouldn't turn down a job or promotion. The traits I would say affect my life in an adverse way are those linked to Histrionics. The delayed gratification and starting projects with great enthusiasm only to get severely bored. I would say that although I don't think I would strike someone who would be immediately associated with Histrionic behaviour, I think people involved in MH will see it more as they get to know me.

[MPD-AvPD-BPD]

AFIK..

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is when the situation affects the physical ie: ''blushing, sweating (hyperhidrosis), trembling, palpitations and nausea."

AvPD is when the situation affects the emotional ie: "Hypersensitivity, Extreme shyness, Feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, Self-loathing, Mistrust of others, self-conscious, Self-critical"

However they are often Comorbid

"Research suggests that approximately 10–50% of people who have panic disorder with agoraphobia have avoidant personality disorder, as well as about 20–40% of people who have social phobia (social anxiety disorder)." - [Wikipedia]

[Ultra Darkness]

Originally Posted by MPD-AvPD-BPD

AFIK..

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is when the situation affects the physical ie: ''blushing, sweating (hyperhidrosis), trembling, palpitations and nausea."

I do the blushing, but mostly sweating.

AvPD is when the situation affects the emotional ie: "Hypersensitivity, Extreme shyness, Feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, Self-loathing, Mistrust of others, self-conscious, Self-critical"

All of them except the self-loathing.

However they are often Comorbid

"Research suggests that approximately 10–50% of people who have panic disorder with agoraphobia have avoidant personality disorder, as well as about 20–40% of people who have social phobia (social anxiety disorder)." - [Wikipedia]

I just hate dealing with people. I want to be liked, but I'm not very likable, and I always feel like I'm being judged, or put on display. I've turned down offers to do things because I'm so self-conscious, and I feel uncomfortable when I'm wearing jeans and a T-shirt. Anything less concealing, and I doubt I'd even go outside.

Social anxiety is more of being anxious and prone to having a panic attack more than someone with avpd.

I remember there was a kid in my school that would walk up to me and my friends, talking etc.. He would walk up (shaking violently) and when his anxiety gets too much, he would walk away. I didn't say anything bad it's just when his anxiety gets too high, he would have to leave I guess. He would always have his hands together, fidgeting when walking through the hallways and stuff.

For me (with avpd), I get anxious when a car drives towards me. Especially if it's driving slow. I'm capable of having a conversation etc.. But I just try to avoid it. If a friend asks to go to a party or do something, I say no.. Because.. I don't even know sometimes.

Some People with social anxiety can't leave there house because they're afraid that someone will see them and the anxiety would cause them to go back inside.

For me, I avoid going outside because I would fear confronting someone and in my head, that person would be judging me. I get anxious while waiting for judgment and when the judgment happens, I feel sad and defeated, and say "I should have stayed inside. I'm never going outside again"..

[MPD-AvPD-BPD]

Originally Posted by Ultra Darkness

I just hate dealing with people. I want to be liked, but I'm not very likable, and I always feel like I'm being judged, or put on display.

I feel much the same, And all to often it feels like it shows and you just want to run away (I have turned around and left often..)

[QuietCat]

As I understand it (and I've been diagnosed AvPD by a psychologist who specializes in diagnosing personality disorders), the AvPD person has a MUCH deeper form of social anxiety than the social phobia person. It's easier to treat those with social phobia than it is an AvPD person.

The AvPD person is distrusting of others and feels inferior to them at all times. Any sign of another person wanting to be closer to an AvPD person will make the AvPD person shy away in fear, even though they may desperately want such attention. It's a very automatic response to avoid contact with other people and you don't even know you're doing it until it's done.

I suspect that the social phobia person may be a little more aware of how they are behaving even before they avoid the social situation.

For example, I will cross the street to avoid passing another person on the sidewalk if I'm out for a walk. I won't realize I've done it until I'm on the other side of the street.

[Nicks_Nose]

Avoidant Personality Disorder deals with many other means of judgment, not just ssocial interaction. My anxieties also include assessments, interviews, exams, etc. It does not have to be direct contact with people. Any situation that indicates dissatisfaction of me or my performance is a stressor. It could be a written paper being graded. I avoid situations that lead to judgment or if I cannot avoid it, I get very anxious and have anxiety attacks.

A neighbour once reported me to Children's Services for not keeping my knives in a locked drawer. I have done many public speaking engagements without stress, but when it came to being graded in university, I had to take ativan. A coworker was having a bad few days and would not speak to me during shifts. This was a huge trigger for me because it indicated to me that I had done something wrong. I couldn't avoid the situation and rejection or silence and had a major anxiety attack.

Social Anxiety is more specific. It deals specifically with people. Avoidance takes on other scenarios.

[sunsetsunrise]

yes. I think of AvPD as social anxiety on steroids. I even drift off a lot. I learned to check out as a coping mechanism. Thats avoidance. I belonged to a message board for people who have AvPD. I found that this disorder runs a spectrum. From people who are consciously working on it and have made progress. To people who it has not progressed too far. To those where it has seriously limited their ability to function in the world.

[Fuzzybear]

[iamanders]

the differences between Avoidant Personality Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder - Social Anxiety Forum

[Cranky Old Hermit]

Originally Posted by iamanders

the differences between Avoidant Personality Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder - Social Anxiety Forum

Martin Kantor is way too Freudian and dramatic for me. As soon as he gets to "castration anxiety" I tune out.

There is debate in the medical community over whether SAD and AvPD are all that distinguishable. In fact, there is considerable debate over the validity of the notion of a "personality disorder." As it stands, SAD can be limited to particular situations while AvPD, being a personality disorder, is pervasive, longstanding, and significantly affects most areas of a person's functioning.