Whats the difference?

[biotech56]

What is the difference between a generalized social anxiety disorder and avoidant personality disorder. Just wondering because I was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder but I think it is actually avoidant personality disorder.

 

[bleach]

Social anxiety disorder = extreme degree of fear of socialization to the point where it affects your life
Avoidant personality disorder = running away from social situations to the point where it becomes habitual pattern and affects your life

Both are probably tied together in many cases, AvPd is a common result of having SAD for a long time. Basically AvPD is just the clinical definition of cowardice, I don't think i would even call it a real disorder.