Posted by Dinah on December 6, 2001, at 23:10:03
In reply to Avoidance Personality Disorder, posted by MarieAnge on December 6, 2001, at 22:29:37
I'm not generally a huge fan of cognitive behavior therapy, but it definitely has its place. Exposure techniques, relaxation, anything to do with anxiety reduction should help with avoidant behaviors. Do you have any access to a cognitive behavioral therapist? Medication could help you tolerate the anxiety while you learn new behaviors.
I wouldn't take a personality disorder diagnosis as a life sentence. My understanding is that a personality disorder is just the habitual way a person has of coping with an emotion such as anxiety. It isn't easy, but new ways of dealing with unpleasant emotions can be learned and the anxiety can be treated. So cognitive behavior therapy and medications can work together. It should be easier since you really want to change.
Just my humble opinion.
poster:Dinah
thread:15119
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20011130/msgs/15122.html