#comorbidityanswer

[avpdcommunity]

(part 1) so im 18, & i truly believe i have avpd+bpd, but sometimes idk if i can have bpd bc i internalize everything so much, and i have never been in a relationship. i feel like that would be because i have avpd, but sometimes i worry that im just overreacting and dont really have both. i guess im just wondering, is it possible for one personality disorder to be more dominant than the other? and do any of you maybe know some ways that having avpd + bpd together could manifest?

(part 2) i know disorders manifest differently for everyone, but idk if there are any ways having both of these together shows in people. Im sorry im rambling but i just get scared that im faking and that my symptoms arent real. So im just wondering what your thoughts are, but you dont have to answer if you arent comfortable!

Hello. 

Yes, if more than one personality disorder is present the symptoms of one can be more dominant than the other/s. More often than not, this is the case for people with more than one PD. 

Here are a couple of links that may help answer any more questions you have. If not, feel free to send us another message. 

- What are similarities and differences with AvPD vs BPD?- More differences between AvPD and BPD?

I apologize for the delay in answering your message! Take care - Jay. 

[avpdcommunity]

do you know the difference between RSD (like associated with ADHD) and AVPD? could AVPD like form as a response to RSD?

Hey. 

From what the rest of the team and I understand RSD, or rejection-sensitive dysphoria, is a relatively new/niche term, one that is not heavily researched. As far as we know, there is no known link between RSD and AvPD.  Unfortunately we can’t really elaborate any further because there’s simply no research. I’m sorry we couldn’t give you a more informative answer. 

- Jay. 

[avpdcommunity]

i fit both symptoms of social anxiety + avpd, and im sure that i have social anxiety but unsure about avpd. im wondering if maybe my social anxiety could just be so bad that its also making me fear/avoid interpersonal relationships/interactions + making friends + getting a job in addition to general/superficial social interactions? or does that just mean its avpd? sorry if this ask doesnt make sense idk how else to word it..

Hey there. 

Social anxiety and AvPD can be co-morbid, so it is possible to have both. It is also possible to just have one. Since the symptoms between the two conditions often overlap, it can sometimes be difficult to really pinpoint which one is culprit. For this reason, I recommend that you see a mental health professional to help you sort through how you’re feeling. Unfortunately, we here at AvPD Community can’t diagnose you, but we are here to support you and provide resources where ever we can. 

Here are some resources that may help you in the meantime:

AvPD or Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) Avoidance (forum) 

What is the difference between Social Anxiety and AvPD? 

How would Social Anxiety manifest versus AvPD?

I also recommend that you check out our Answers Directory(link) for yourself and have a skim over our previously answered asks to see if there is anything in there that sticks out as being potentially useful for you in there. 

If you have any more concerns, feel free to send us another message. - Jay. 

[avpdcommunity]

Can autistic people have AvPD (or any personality disorder)?

Hey there. The short answer is yes, autistic people can have a personality disorder. This subject has been discussed more in the past by another mod who is more qualified to discuss their interaction, so if you’d like to know more you can check out the following:

Can AvPD symptoms be explained by autism?How could Autism and AvPD be co-morbid?

Hope this helps. 

Tollie.

[avpdcommunity]

Can i have avpd and bpd at the same time?

Hey! Thanks for submitting an ask. Yes, you can have both AvPD and BPD as co-morbid diagnoses, meaning that they occur at the same time. 

We have a few asks related to this subject, so I’ll link them below in case you find them helpful. 

- Is there crossover between personality disorders?- What are similarities and differences with AvPD vs BPD?- More differences between AvPD and BPD?

Tollie. 

[avpdcommunity]

I've always suspected that I had avpd, but never actually brought it up to my therapist (which I see for ED). Yesterday she told me she was pretty sure I had bpd because of the suicidal tendencies and what seem to be intrusive toughts. I don't actually fit the other symptoms of bpd which brings me to: is avpd 'comorbid'? Could I have an eating disorder, suicidal tendencies/intrusive toughts AND avpd? Is it common? I know you're not doctors but I need an opinion before I actually go to the doctor

Hi there! Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. If you have concerns that a BPD diagnosis may not be appropriate for you and/or think you may have AvPD, I really encourage you to bring that up with your therapist. Starting a direct conversation about your potential diagnoses can not only help you better understand your own mental health, it will also help your therapist work with you to discern which diagnoses (and treatment approaches) best align with your symptoms. 

To answer your question, yes, it is possible to have multiple comorbidities. Disorders, especially personality disorders, are multifaceted and complex- not everyone’s symptoms will be the same or have the same level of intensity. Comorbidity between personality disorders and other mental health conditions is not uncommon. With this in mind, we encourage you to speak with your therapist to best assess how this may or may not apply to your personal mental health, as we are unable to provide you will diagnostic suggestions. 

Best of luck! 

- Tollie 

[avpdcommunity]

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. 

[avpdcommunity]

Hi, can I have AvPD and covertNPD at the same time?

Hi there. 

Similar to our earlier question about the possibly of AvPD and BPD co-occurring, it is possible to have both AvPD and NPD, including covert NPD. 

Many individuals with one personality disorder often display traits of other personality disorders and/or meet the diagnostic criteria for another personality disorder, even if some of the symptoms seem contradictory.

Unfortunately, no one here at AvPD Community has a comprehensive understanding of covert NPD, so our ability to discuss this subject much further is limited. There’s a thread that discusses the relationship between AvPD and NPD over on PsycFourms (here), but keep in mind that it is also a discussion based platform and not a form of professional advice.

Tollie.