Anonymous asked this question on 4/29/2000:
Could anyone give me as much information as possible on avoidant personality disorder and it's symptoms and treatment please? Thanks
kinghappy gave this response on 4/29/2000:
alrighty, peopel with apd, are very sensitive to negative criticism, have extreme feelings of inadequacy and are very afraid of rejection. they are very inhibited socially and feel very inferior. they have few close friends though they yearn for relationships, they often feel lonely. they have a fear of humiliation. it i9s very common among people with chronic depressive disorder, and many of the symptoms are similiar- withdrawal, low self esteem, hypersesnitivity. as far as explanations the psychodynamic theorists vocus primarily on the shame experiencedas a child due to potty training accidents. parents who reprimand and ridiculy their child for this are at risk for having that child develop apd. the cognitive theory holds that strong criticism and rejection is indeed important because it teaches the person that people are generraly highly critical, teaching thme to expect rejection. htey misinterpret the the reactions of others. they also develop a negative self image and believe that others are justified in their negative appraisal. for treatment, it is important to build a trust through empathy and support. they are treated much in the same way the anxiety disorders are treated. a cognitive therapist helps the client cahnge distressing beliefs and thoughts, increase tolerance for emotional discomfort and build up their self image. the behavioral view emphasizes social skills training and exposure to gradually increasing social contacts. the pscyhodynamic approach help the client uncover teh causes of the sypmtoms and resolve unconscious motives. other approaches are group therapies and medication is also helpful, though i do not know which ones, just that antidepressants and antianxiety medication is used. hope this helps.
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