Posted by DStupid on April 1, 2007, at 20:46:35
In reply to What are these symptoms?, posted by girlnterrupted78 on April 1, 2007, at 1:54:15
Actually, I have a lot of symptoms you've described, and I have extensively researched them.
Applying the U.S. psychiatric categories, you (and I) have:
Axis I: Dysthymia, Early Onset.
You've been depressed and experienced only limited interest and enjoyment ever since you were a child. You haven't described a sleep or appetite disturbance and that's why a Major Depressive Disorder doesn't appear to be applicable. (I have both of the latter and have qualified for an MDD.)
Axis I: Social Phobia, Generalized Type.
You have lifelong social anxiety that makes it difficult for you to maintain even the most minimal social contact (if that's the case). You may be fearing that you have nothing to say and that you will be thought of as dumb. It appears to apply to all of your social situations and that's why it's of the generalized type.
Axis II: Avoidant Personality Disorder.
The symptoms for Dysthymia and Social Phobia overlap somewhat with those of Avoidant Personality Disorder. You may have displayed a pervasive pattern of social discomfort, fear of negative evaluation, and timidity throughout your life. It doesn't appear that you have close friends, you avoid activities that involve significant interpersonal contact, and you're reticent in social situations. It's also likely that are easily hurt by disapproval and are unwilling to become involved with people unless you're certain of being liked.
That's my take on your case.
poster:DStupid
thread:745900
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070327/msgs/746127.html