Posted by SLS on August 5, 2000, at 9:33:02
In reply to Social anxiety vs. Avoidant personality disorder, posted by anita on August 4, 2000, at 13:23:52
> Hi all,
>
> I recently completed a survey on social anxiety for a non-profit group. Most of the questions were about, well, anxious feelings. However, a lot of my social phobia seems to be due to simply avoiding social situations because of a reluctance to interact with people, without feeling anxious about the prospect. Also, when with people I often feel quite numb and very bored, and can't think of anything to say or even want to say anything.
>
> So I'm wondering if Avoidant personality disorder, which is often equated with social anxiety or social phobia, is really a further step in the problem, perhaps due to the past chronic anxiety, sort of like a learned response, maybe. Interestingly, anti-anxiety meds do not help my social problems.
>
> Anybody have any thoughts?
>
> anita
Hi Anita.I recommend that you look at the DSM IV mental illness diagnostic manual for your answers. Despite the occasional appearance of cynicism regarding its utility, I find it to be of great value. If your non-profit group does not own a copy, perhaps it should purchase one.
Good luck.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:42160
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000729/msgs/42217.html