Phobias

[Guest]

What,are the diagnostic differences between,generalized Social Phobia and Avoidant Personality Disorder? Could the symptoms of Avoidant Personality Disorder/Social Phobia/Agoraphobia be accounted for by a diagnosis of PTSD alone?

[Guest]

This is a really good question. As a rule Avoidant Personality Disorder is pervasive and chronic. It is present in almost all situations and with almost everyone. Social Phobia tends to be more circumscibed. There is a huge overlap. I am really not sure that anyone could reliably determine where a severe case of social phobia ends and a case of avoidant personality begins. When social phobia is constant, it blends into Avoidant Personality disorder in terms of criteria. Agoraphobia tends to be more a fear of crowds and public places hallmarked by panic attacks (in most cases).

While people with PTSD are more ill at ease in more social situations than people without PTSD; however, most people with PTSD are not diagnosed with any of these three conditions. My personal opinion is that PTSD would increase the risk of developing this spectrum of disorder, but not be responsible for it.
[quote] What,are the diagnostic differences between,generalized Social Phobia and Avoidant Personality Disorder. Could the symptoms of Avoidant Personality Disorder/Social Phobia/Agoraphobia be accounted for by a diagnosis of PTSD alone... [/quote]

[Guest]

Hi im a 19 year old male and i need some answers to something im confused about.
Ever since i was little,i have had a fear of what people think about me,i was always put down and made fun of ok.i cant even go out.I cant take to girls like i should i dont talk to anyone because i have a very low self esteem and im depressed.I think to myself that i cant get a girlfriend cause im ugly and when i go out i dont talk to women because i think that they will think that im ugly.I also deeply think in my heart that i will be single all my life and i totally give up i dunno what to do if anyone can help me please i need all the help i can get.Also i often find myself holding my chest because it feels like someone is driving a knife through it,or like im having a heart attack i almost cry because of the pain.I get light headed and really i dont know sick im in serious need of some help so please help me as soon as u can.
[quote] This is a really good question. As a rule Avoidant Personality Disorder is pervasive and chronic... [/quote]