Posted by violette on July 25, 2010, at 14:08:02
I've heard people here mention differences in Axis I vs. Axis II mental disorders in regard to treatment.
What's the real difference between Social Anxiety Disorder (Axis I) and Avoidant Personality Disorder (Axis II)? The both point to the same fears, and interference with activities or overall functioning, though the Avoidant description is more detailed.
Although the descriptions are different, they point to the same feelings and behavior effects. The only difference that I know of is that Axis II is for prolonged mental illness patterns and also sometimes assigned to people who are unaware of the issue itself being a problem in one's life--but the descriptions contradict that, as it seems the Axis II person is MORE aware of the feelings underlying the fears..
The descriptions here both point to the same level of intensity where a person avoids things due to the fears.
I just don't see how having a category of Axis I and Axis II is helpful to anyone's treatment. Does anyone think it is helpful, and in what way (curious)?
Axis I
Social Anxiety DisorderThe Current DSM-IV Definition (Abridged):
A. A persistent fear of one or more social or performance situations in which the person is exposed to unfamiliar people or to possible scrutiny by others.
The individual fears that he or she will act in a way (or show anxiety symptoms) that will be embarrassing and humiliating.
B. Exposure to the feared situation almost invariably provokes anxiety, which may take the form of a situationally bound or situationally pre-disposed Panic Attack.
C. The person recognizes that this fear is unreasonable or excessive.
D. The feared situations are avoided or else are endured with intense anxiety and distress.
E. The avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress in the feared social or performance situation(s) interferes significantly with the person's normal routine, occupational (academic) functioning, or social activities or relationships, or there is marked distress about having the phobia.
F. In individuals under age 18 years, the duration is at least 6 months.
G. The fear or avoidance is not due to direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., drugs, medications) or a general medical condition not better accounted for by another mental disorder...
http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/dsm.html
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Axis II
Avoidant Personality DisorderSymptoms
DSM-IV-TR specifies seven diagnostic criteria for avoidant personality disorder:The person avoids occupational activities that require significant interpersonal contact. Job interviews or pro motions may be turned down because the person's own perceptions of his or her abilities do not match the job description.
The person is reluctant to participate in social involvement without clear assurance that they will be accept ed. People with this disorder assume other people are not safe to trust until proven otherwise. Others must offer repeated support and encouragement in order to persuade them to participate in a social event.The person fears being shamed or ridiculed in close relationships. As a result, people with this disorder become overly alert to behavioral cues that may indicate disapproval or rejection. They will flee a situation in which they believe that others might turn against them.
The person is preoccupied with being criticized or rejected. Much mental and physical energy is spent brooding about and avoiding situations perceived as "dangerous."
The person is inhibited in unfamiliar social situations due to feelings of inadequacy. Low self-esteem undermines their confidence in meeting and conversing with new acquaintances.
The person regards him- or herself as socially inept. This self-disparagement is especially apparent when the person must make social contacts with strangers. People with avoidant personality disorder perceive themselves as unappealing or inferior to others.
The person is reluctant to take social risks, in order to avoid possible humiliation. Avoidant people seek interactions that promise the greatest amount of acceptance while minimizing the likelihood of embarrassment or rejection. They might go to a school dance, for example, but remain in one corner chatting with close friends rather than going out on the dance floor with someone they do not know well.http://www.minddisorders.com/A-Br/Avoidant-personality-disorder.html
poster:violette
thread:955861
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100720/msgs/955861.html