A 29-year-old member asked:
Whats the main difference between social phobia and avoidant personality disorder?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Glen Elliottanswered
Child Psychiatry 45 years experience
They may overlap: Social phobia simply refers to people who do not like to be in large crowds; those with it typically function fine in cosier settings and are worried mostly about being overwhelmed. With apd, concerns are about being criticized or embarrassed, so the size of the crowd is not as important as the potential for being judged and found wanting.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 32-year-old member asked:
Can you tell me how to find out if I have social phobia and/or avoidant personality disorder?
1 doctor answer • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Pamela Pappasanswered
Psychiatry 44 years experience
Get evaluation: If concerned about having phobias or personality disorders, it's best to consult an experienced mental health professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can evaluate you, share likely diagnoses, and recommend any treatments needed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ed Friedlander commented
Pathology 46 years experience
This is very good advice. Don't hesitate to approach someone who can help you learn new skills for a happier life.
Oct 6, 2014
A 30-year-old member asked:
How are social phobia and avoidant personality disorder different?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Kristine Johnstonanswered
Clinical Psychology 43 years experience
There is similarity: Research has found few differences between the kinds of symptoms that people with sad and apd have. Because of the similarities between sad and apd, people are often diagnosed as having both disorders. Like sad, the central fear of people with apd is rejection, ridicule and humiliation by others. However, people with apd tend to have a broader range of symptoms, and the symptoms tend to be more se.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
How are social phobia and avoidant personality disorder distinguished from each other?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. L. Kevin Chapmananswered
Clinical Psychology 17 years experience
Type of social anx: Good question. Depends on whether the social phobia/anxiety is generalized or non-generalized (e.g., specific social situations such as public speaking). Most people have "non-generalized" type social phobia. Those with generalized type (have more of an embarrassment response rather than fear as in "non-generalized" type) also are considered for the additional apd diagnosis. So, general vs. Spec.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 13, 2016
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