Avoidant Personality Disorder characteristics

[Mpls]

As I wandered about the internet looking at various items on anxiety I ran across APD.  I was quite surprised that it described me quite accurately.  I've struggled with depression and anxiety for some time and have been on Wellbutrin & Buspar for a few months.  Any recommendations regarding APD characteristics?  Is this something that should be evaluated or diagnosed?  How about treatment options?  I have just signed up for a group to address anxiety.  I think I'm trying the right things but curious to hear somebody else's take on these APD characteristics.

Thanks!

[HFHS MD-JM]

MPLS,

     I believe that avoidant personality disorder is actually part of the continuim of Social anxiety disorder.  It is characterized by anxiety induced by various social interactions that ultimately lead to avoidance as a way of ineffectively coping.  Treatment of choice is CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) in addition to anxiolytic agents such as the SSRI's, Buspar, and the benzodiazepines.  Please discuss this further with your treating psychiatrist/psychologist as it is important to accurately identify your disorder to properly treat it.

Sincerely,

HFHS MD-JM

[barbara to pain and lortab]

I must have this disorder as well as I always avoid social situations especially anything involving crowds. I hate being around people. I prefer to be alone and am so glad my job is one in which I work in an office alone most of the time. I have my cats and dogs at home which are my family.

I already am diagnosed with major depression, OCD, anxiety disorder and alcohol dependancy. I am currently on 7 1/4 mg of Klonopin broken up into four hourly intervals for the anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. And also on 40 mg of Celexa for the depression and anxiety. So far it has been one long six month tiring battle. I am not sure how much longer it will last if change doesn't occur soon!