Treatment for Avoidant Personality Disorder
Clinical psychologist Dr Joseph M Carver, PhD, offers replies to reader questions submitted anonymously to Ask the Psychologist.
Reader’s Question
I am an 18 year old male and I have avoidant personality disorder. I so badly want to experience relationships and be social but I cannot tolerate the way I feel in any social/public situation. I was wondering if you knew of a good medication for this disorder, and what kind of therapy may help.
Our Consulting Clinical Psychologist’s Reply
Avoidant Personality Disorder (APD) is often treated with a combination of antidepressant and/or antianxiety medications and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Both Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) and SNRI (adding Norepinephrine) antidepressants have demonstrated some improvement in APD. We also use long-acting antianxiety medications such as Klonopin with some success. Once stabilized on medication, CBT and other therapies help you improve social comfort and skills.
Help is available for Avoidant Personality Disorder so I’d begin the process as soon as possible.
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