Am I too young for AvPD/SA?

[Zaona]

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[lyricalliaisons]

You're definitely not too young for "real" problems. I've had real problems since I was very, very young, much younger than even you. I've had social anxiety & an avoidant personality for most of my life, even though I wasn't diagnosed with anything until 2 1/2 years ago. If you haven't you should try to tell your parents about how your social worker isn't giving you the help you need. They should try to help you find someone better, who will actually help. Your future will be much better if you can deal with these things now, rather than wait until your older when they could be much worse.

 

[philly2bits]

I believe she was correct in that regards. I remember reading somewhere (possibly on this site) that there is a minimum age required before an accurate test for AvPD can be given. I seem to remember the age being 18 though I can't be sure.

 

[Zaona]

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[NathanielWingatePeaslee]

You're definitely not too young for "real" problems.

Seriously. Severe anxiety and her answer is to "get over it"? That social worker needs to be smacked. And then fired.

You can't make an official diagnosis until the patient is age 16, but that does not mean the problem isn't there. There's just too much variability in young patients and they have to draw the line somewhere.

 

[Anastasia]

I ended up showing a few pages on AvPD to my social worker/councellor today, but she ended up saying that no one would bother giving me psychological tests because personality disorders don't develop until you're 16 (I'm 15), and she believes I only have severe anxiety, and just need to "get over it". So I asked her about talking to a psychologist and she shot that down saying she WAS one, and that social workers are completely identical to psychologists.

Having studied to be a social worker I can assure you that social workers are nowhere near as knowledgeable about psychological issues as a psychologist, unless they are specially trained in the area. Most are not.

Personality disorders may not be officially diagnosable until 16, but obviously the problem wouldn't have just suddenly appeared when a person turns 16. My problems were evident from a very young age.

I'd suggest you see a psychologist who specialises in the social anxiety area and is prepared to take your symtpoms more seriously than this social worker seems to be.

 

[Zaona]

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[Bernadette]

I am studying to become a psychologist and it takes 6 years in my country, -just as long as becoming a doctor. It's an in depth scientific education that teaches so much more than just showing empathy.
Many social workers are excellent at their jobs, and they do so much good, but they should also know their limitations.
Please get a second opinion. Regardless of the age limitations to giving a certain diagnosis, you will get help with your issues. And that's what you're after anyway.
I wish you all the best!

 

[Eilonwy]

youre definitely not too young. you cant deny the symptoms, its only an official diagnosis that has the age limit. theres no such thing as an age limit for something thats innate like SA. I found out I had SA when I was 14/15 too, and I would skip going to school altogether so many times, or just sneak out/leave in the middle of the day cause I couldn't stand it...and hide out in the bathroom or some other secluded place during lunch. All these extreme symptoms were evident before I was well under 16, so you're definitely not too young.

Its a good thing your counselor's finally looking for a psychologist for you, I hope things really work out. good luckkk! =]

 

[Nack]

I LOL @ age 16 required to develop PD; Seriously whose the genius behind this? Never to young or old to get anything :\

BROWN OUT~! (._.)\