I found this to be applicable to some threads posted on LS and some LS members. If this sounds familiar, then you or your loved one, might want to get a professional diagnosis, to confirm as such:
Quote:
Symptoms
Some common signs of avoidant personality disorder include:
Easily hurt by criticism or disapproval
Has no close friends
Reluctant to become involved with people
Avoids activities or occupations that involve contact with others
Shy in social situations out of fear of doing something wrong
Exaggerates potential difficulties
Shows excessive restraint in intimate relationships
Hold the view that they are socially inept, inferior, or unappealing to other people
Quote:
Causes
The cause of avoidant personality disorder is unknown. People with avoidant personality disorder are preoccupied with their own shortcomings and form relationships with others only if they believe they will not be rejected. Loss and rejection are so painful to these individuals that they will choose loneliness rather than risk trying to connect with others.
Why would anyone need a "professional diagnosis?" What's the point?
Actually, some of that fit me. So do some of the "symptoms" of OCD, narcissism, alcoholic, etc. etc.
My point is that I don't really believe in these dumb labels. We ALL have personality "issues" of one sort or another.
But if we're happy how we are and can maintain relationships if we choose to then where's the problem?
Should people who fit that description take some pills and talk to a therapist? Hahaha..tell me another joke!
Ok so bottom line, if fitting that description bothers a person then, yeah maybe they should do something about it.
For me, I'm perfectly fine with the way I am.
Yes, I mostly avoid people. And with good reason.
Personally I think people who DON'T avoid others have the problem! Most people are a pain in the ass and not worth my time.
It's been proven to me time and time again.
Who needs the aggravation? I have a wonderful husband and son and stepson. I feel blessed to have them in my life. No one else really matters that much to me.
Perhaps it would benefit some people to look within a little more and spend less time playing armchair psychiatrist.
Oh and as far as the "cause" being unknown...no. It's not unknown. It's caused by repeated let down and disappointments in people. Why would anyone want to subject themselves to more of it? Now THAT'S unhealthy.
I have to agree with Touche that it doesnt sound all that serious in terms of needing professional attention. Its these kinds of made up "disorders" that give psychologists a bad name. In the old days they just called it being shy. Now its avoidance disorder
Im kind of shy IRL. The internet is a natural place for shy people to socialize
I have to agree with Touche that it doesnt sound all that serious in terms of needing professional attention. Its these kinds of made up "disorders" that give psychologists a bad name. In the old days they just called it being shy. Now its avoidance disorder
Im kind of shy IRL. The internet is a natural place for shy people to socialize
Well said...exactly!
Quote:
I've always noticed that people who desperately need therapy, never believe in it therefore, benefit from it. It's a form of denial.
Who decides who "desperately" needs therapy? I'm serious. If a person has a good marriage and family life and is happy who is anyone else to say that they need "therapy."
Therapy is for disfunctional people. And I don't mean that as a put-down but only each individual can decide if they're dysfunctional.
The day I can't get along with those closest to me or can't maintain a happy marriage, then I guess I'd go to counseling.
Knock on wood that so far in my life I've done pretty darn good without it.
P.S. I didn't think this thread was directed at anyone personally. I think it's an interesting topic actually, although I'm not clear on the purpose of it.
Who decides who "desperately" needs therapy? I'm serious. If a person has a good marriage and family life and is happy who is anyone else to say that they need "therapy."
I have to agree.
Besides, wouldn't the person claiming to be so adept at labeling others as needing therapy perhaps be the one in denial?
Besides, wouldn't the person claiming to be so adept at labeling others as needing therapy perhaps be the one in denial?
Ya think? I love the people who think they've got no issues at all. I believe TonyT already said it elsewhere...we ALL do. If someone wants to call it a disorder or a syndrome, so be it..whatever. I just don't happen to agree.
That's really wonderful Ross. Keep it up. You're just a late-bloomer is all. (As was I.)
As a matter of fact, I DO remember you. And yes, we didn't get on. But it's ok. I'm a forgiving person for the most part.
I'll be looking forward to seeing your progress and hope you keep us updated.
You can do this you know. And one day you'll look back at how you used to be and you won't believe it. You'll see.
I have to agree with Touche that it doesnt sound all that serious in terms of needing professional attention. Its these kinds of made up "disorders" that give psychologists a bad name. In the old days they just called it being shy. Now its avoidance disorder
Im kind of shy IRL. The internet is a natural place for shy people to socialize
Not true. I had this and reached a point where I couldn't leave my house for months at a time for fear of being around other people. (thankfully, I'm past that.) But something becomes a disorder when it impairs basic functioning, as this did for me.
People can also have features of several different disorders, but no one full blown. Based on the diagnoses I've received I have a mixture of body dysmorphia, avoidant, ocd and add. Disorders are often comorbid.
Last edited by shadowplay; 16th December 2008 at 9:11 PM..
Okay, here we all go again, going off-topic. Let's get back to the subject at hand which is AVP, instead of our personal views on medication and therapy.
Without the posting about NPD on LS, I would have never known it existed, thus able to get the ex-H into therapy to get diagnosed. He's been in therapy now for a little under 2 years and it's really helping him. The funny thing is that a lot of men and women out there, wouldn't have bothered with therapy, thinking themselves to be A-okay, which is part of the denial process of the disorder.
The above is why I've posted about this particular disorder on LS. I think the information might help some people. For those who feel it's not applicable to them, or feel that they don't choose to address it, that's cool and their choice.
Without the posting about NPD on LS, I would have never known it existed, thus able to get the ex-H into therapy to get diagnosed. He's been in therapy now for a little under 2 years and it's really helping him. The funny thing is that a lot of men and women out there, wouldn't have bothered with therapy, thinking themselves to be A-okay, which is part of the denial process of the disorder.
Isn't the thing though that anyone could benefit from therapy? My favorite type of therapy is through martial arts. But admitting we could all use guidance somehow, isn't there an overemphasis on psychological diagnosis on this site and in society in general lately?
Isn't the thing though that anyone could benefit from therapy? My favorite type of therapy is through martial arts. But admitting we could all use guidance somehow, isn't there an overemphasis on psychological diagnosis on this site and in society in general lately?
I'm not averse to people going for an emotional/mental tune-up, once in awhile. If people can afford it, it might not be a bad way to nip dysfunctional behaviour in the bud, thus saving money or the need for intensive therapy, in the long run.
Last edited by Trialbyfire; 16th December 2008 at 8:37 PM..
I'm not averse to people going for an emotional/mental tune-up, once in awhile. If people can afford it, it might not be a bad way to nip dysfunctional behaviour in the bud, thus saving money or the need for intensive therapy, in the long run.
This is the way I see it: there are different ways to be happy, different ways to get guidance, different forms of therapy. Right now, everywhere I turn people are either self-diagnosing or diagnosing others. Diagnosis is proper to medical forms of therapies. Which is a perticular type of guidance. What if what I need isn't so much to go see a counsellor as to take a vacation? To spend time with family and friends? To work on something completely different? To start practicing karate? Are you then going to tell me I'm in denial and avoiding my problems?
This is the way I see it: there are different ways to be happy, different ways to get guidance, different forms of therapy. Right now, everywhere I turn people are either self-diagnosing or diagnosing others. Diagnosis is proper to medical forms of therapies. Which is a perticular type of guidance. What if what I need isn't so much to go see a counsellor as to take a vacation? To spend time with family and friends? To work on something completely different? To start practicing karate? Are you then going to tell me I'm in denial and avoiding my problems?
Since I've never diagnosed you and am not a professional, I'm a little confused about why you feel I would have any impact on you.
The thread is for informational purposes only. If you don't feel it's applicable to you, then move on.
I'm a little confused by people in general. If it's not applicable to you, why take it so personally?
Treatment
Antidepressant medications can often reduce sensitivity to rejection. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive/behavioral approaches, may be helpful. A combination of medication and talk therapy may be more effective than either treatment alone.
People with this disorder may have some ability to relate to others, and this can be improved with treatment. Without treatment, a person with avoidant personality disorder may become resigned to a life of near or total isolation. They may go on to develop a second psychiatric disorder such as substance abuse or a mood disorder such as depression. See your health-care provider or a psychiatrist if shyness or fear of rejection overwhelms your ability to function in life and relationships.
Here's the treatment section for APD, from the attached link in my opening post.
Please note: The suggestions and advice offered on this web site are opinions only and are not to be used in the place of professional psychological counseling or medical advice. If you or someone close to you is currently in crisis or in an emergency situation, contact your local law enforcement agency or emergency number.
June 8, 2010 
Hahaha..tell me another joke!
Hybrid Mode
