How do I tell if I have an anxiety disorder or avoidant personality disorder?

Submitted by MaryC Tue 04/27/2010

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There are many types of

Submitted by mwilliams on Sun, 05/02/2010 - 9:31am.

There are many types of anxiety disorders, but I suspect you are concerned about having ocial phobia, also called social anxiety disorder (SAD). SAD involves overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. People with social phobia have a persistent, intense, and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others and being embarrassed or humiliated by their own actions.

To have a diagnosis of social phobia, the fear must be so severe that it interferes with work, school, or other ordinary activities. While many people with social phobia recognize that their fear of being around people may be excessive or unreasonable, they are unable to overcome it. They often worry for days or weeks in advance of a dreaded situation.

Avoidant personality disorder can be thought of a severe form of social phobia that is longstanding and has become a part of the individual's personality. However, many researchers feel that avoidant personality is just the extreme end of regular social phobia. The only way to know for sure what you have is to be evaluated by an expert.

Best of luck,
Dr. Williams

—

Monnica T. Williams, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist specializing in OCD
http://www.monnicawilliams.com

For Treatment Options Call (877) 331-9311

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