Hi. Hope this hasn't been asked before. I've been wondering if I have AvPD for a while, and am planning to see someone about it (though I'm still working up the courage to do so). I was wondering if a PD developing from mental illness or vice versa was a thing that happens or is possible? I feel like I developed AvPD as a way to deal with depression and anxiety (esp social anxiety), and I know a lot of symptoms overlap, so I'm confused and scared. Sorry again to bother you. Thank you so much!!
Hey.
The definitive cause of AvPD is not known but in general PD’s are believed to be caused by a combination of different biological, psychological, and social factors experienced throughout a person’s childhood, and up to their early adulthood. Common factors are timidness/shyness, parental neglect, and peer rejection.
In my experience, depression/anxiety do not cause AvPD, but in people who are already at risk or predisposed to developing AvPD, depressive symptoms and social anxiety may be a precursor and if left untreated, may lead to AvPD months or years down the track. This isn’t to say that everyone with SAD will develop AvPD, it is usually it’s own condition separate from AvPD.
Hope this answers your question. Remember to check out of What Is AvPD?(link) page and our Information(link) and Answers Directory(link) for more information. - Jay.