#isthisavpdanswer

Hello. 

I’m not sure if you’re talking about the resources on our blog specifically or just random ones on the Internet, so I will begin by listing some of the resources from our blog that I recommend. You can find all of our resources on our What is AvPD(link)? page, Information(link) page, and in our Answers Directory(link). 

DSM-5 Entry and Diagnostic Criteria of AvPD 

AvPD Criteria (easy to read) 

AvPD Criteria (in-depth) 

Common Issues Associated with AvPD

AvPD Symptom Examples/Checklist

AvPD Differential Diagnosis Info (long) (new!)

Personality disorders are still something people are learning about, and there is no ‘just one’ cause for it. Trauma is often observed as a trigger for potential the development of a personality disorder, but there have been causes of personality disorders from genetic predisposition as a sole factor (especially in cases of genetic memory).So, yes, it’s possible! Good luck!

Hey. 

From what the rest of the team and I understand RSD, or rejection-sensitive dysphoria, is a relatively new/niche term, one that is not heavily researched. As far as we know, there is no known link between RSD and AvPD.  Unfortunately we can’t really elaborate any further because there’s simply no research. I’m sorry we couldn’t give you a more informative answer. 

(2/2) even I think if it´s just my instincts kicking in or if it´s some sort of slight dissociation. Can this be a coping mechanism to not show my "weak" self or something else? I don´t understand, but I don´t find an answer... Thanks in advanc for your help and keep the good work!

Hello there. I’m great, thank you for asking! 

This is a tricky question to answer because I’m just a stranger on the Internet and I don’t know you personally. I can’t speak about your situation specifically but I can give you some information about diagnoses. 

AvPD can vary in severity among people with the disorder but when talking about a clinical diagnosis vs interpersonal problems that don’t meet criteria the difference is how much it interferes with your daily life and societal standards you’re expected to live by (i.e, getting a job, establishing relationships, etc).

If it is causing moderate to significant impairment in your life then a professional may diagnosis you with AvPD. If it is more of a manageable feeling and you can still go about your life relatively uninterrupted then you may not be diagnosed. 

Not being diagnosed does not mean that what you’re feeling isn’t real or isn’t difficult to deal with though. It also does not mean that you shouldn’t see a mental health professional either. Therapy can be beneficial for anyone. 

Here are some links that may help you overcome how you’re feeling but I encourage you to check out our full Answers Directory(link) and Self Help page(link):

What do I do if I think I have AvPD? 

How much “impairment” is involved in a personality disorder?

12 Module Mastering Your Worries (General Anxiety)*

Communication Techniques Guide (depression).

4 Module Overcoming Distress Intolerance*

Hey there. 

Sounds like you’re going through a rough time at the moment, I’m sorry to hear that. I just want you to know that what you’re going through does matter and is valid. No one has the right to tell you what you’re feeling- not even your GP or doctor- you are the only person who can do that. 

If you experience depressive symptoms of any kind, no matter how mild you think they are, it is best to see a mental health professional. It is easy to fall into the mindset that you are not “sick enough” to see a doctor or that other people have it worse so you should ‘suck it up’, but preventative is better than curative. Depressive symptoms are serious and can worsen over time, so I really encourage you to reach out to a mental health professional. 

As for your GP, most GP’s are not trained in the specifics of personality disorders since they usually don’t specialize in any particular field of medicine. Although more well known PD’s are characterized by impulsiveness, AvPD is not. AvPD is considered a “stable” PD, it doesn’t generally cause any abrupt or “dramatic” changes, like outbursts or violence, in your behaviour. So your GP brushing off the possibility of AvPD due to lack of impulsiveness is incorrect. Please don’t let that discourage you from trying again. 

Hey. On behalf of AvPD Community, thank you for the compliment! 

In brief, while there are similarities between SAD and AVPD, there are also significant differences. In the simplest sense, SAD is anxiety disorder triggered by general social interactions, while AvPD is a personality disorder that affects a person’s ability to create and maintain interpersonal relationships. Therefore, the severity of someone’s SAD symptoms would not correlate to meeting the diagnostic criteria for AvPD. This topic has been discussed in the past, so I encourage you to read more about the differences and similarities here / here / and here. 

However, it should be noted that social anxiety can sometimes be a precursor to developing AvPD and the disorders also have a high comorbidity rate. 

I hope this has helped!

About not really paying attention to people: I’m the same way, really. I only pay too much attention to interactions I have with people I really need to impress (like authority figures), or really want to be close with/are close with, but even then, sometimes I still don’t. I’ve always been this way because I’m autistic, but the defensive emotional distance that comes with AvPD definitely didn’t help!

And I’m also the same about superficial social situations. If I have to go to a store or the bank and actually talk to someone, yes, then I’ll be really anxious. I hate Subway. But anything with the bare minimum exchange you’re talking about is also something I’m fine with, usually. Those situations often aren’t a problem for avoidants, but symptoms do vary from avoidant to avoidant.

So yes, I’d say that’s normal.

Hey. 

I don’t have experience with this kind of issue or relationships in general so I can’t speak from that, however I imagine it is a common thing for avoidants. Any of our followers want to chime in on this one?