Should i See a Psycologist or Psychiatrist first?

I'm planning on seeing either one because of what i think is AvPD. I'm not trying to self diagnose, the summary of symptoms I've read describe me perfectly.

I need to get officially diagnosed i know but which type of doc should i see first? I was thinking psychiatrist because I'm really open to trying out medication if i need to.

Yall are more experienced in this area so i thought i'd get everyone here's opinion.


Also, another real quick question. I feel like i fit the description for social anxiety as well. Whats the main difference between that and AvPD? Thanks.

Welcome mike

Mike the best kind of therapy you can get is well talk therapy. You say your open to trying out medication, but trust me it"s no cure for avpd (if that is the case). If they happen to work, you may get reduced panic attacks and less anxiety but i doubt they make avoidants less uncomfortable around others. The ones i've tried have done nothing for me, so it might also be hard to find one that works for you.

Psychologist will want to talk out your problems and try to get to the root source of your conflicts, so that might be an ideal choice if your willing to open up. From what i hear psychiatrists prefer prescribing over actually talking to you, so you know do whatever suits your needs.

Social phobia and AvpD are essentially the same, the main difference (from what i've read) is that social phobics only monitor themselves in social situations, while people with avpd monitors themselves and the people around them. So avpd is the more disrupting version you could say.

Dont rely on getting medicated, it might make things worse.

Psychiatry = prescriptions (at least it usually does in U.S.).

Like Himeros says, AvPD is not something that get "fixed" by meds (though symptoms can sometimes thereby be eased).

With our sensensitivity to criticism, finding someone who feels trustworthy and who can help us along the long path to learn some social skills, anxiety-control methods, and self-acceptance is foremost. And psychiatrists (and their way-high fees) have no lock on those qualities.

If money is ANY kind of an issue (as it usually is), you may find that a local mental health clinic will be able to connect you with a Masters-level therapist that you can relate to. The degree of a therapist's EXPERIENCE is way more important than the degree of their diploma!

Don't be afraid to shop around... including about price/insurance accepted. I know that meeting new people is a HUGE challenge -- but picking a therapist who'll fit for you is so important -- on the level with picking a SPOUSE.

Try to begin by being more honest and revealing in your first (trial) session. If you have discomforts, TELLS them - see how they'll work with your avoidance and your anxiety.

YOU are PAYING - you deserve to get something that works for you.

Good luck - and come back and share with us.

Mike what can I say. My idea of mental disorders are that they are actually there for a purpose, unfortunately there are not always effective. I kept thinking about it, and I saw that Post traumatic stress disorder for instance, that develops massively during wartime would probably be helpful during the war time, where you'd need to be in a state of fight or flight. You'll need to kill and avoid to get killed. A balanced anxiety free person would probably lose his life easier over there.

Anyways, I don't know if either psychiatrists or psychologists can help you. I'm sure you can help yourself with the right knownledge. I'll tell you what, find a real good psychologist, do not meet just any psychologist, they can even make more damage than help, so go for the best. About psychiatrists... well, their drugs may ease some of your discomfort and may ease you the path to recovery, but they are probably not necessary.

Thanks guys, i might just talk to a psycologist to start things off.

My case doesn't seem to be as extreme as others here. I can go to school and the store and stuff like that easily. I just feel inferior to others in social situations and have a low self esteem. I could never do something like go on a date with a person cause I'm deathly afraid of a situation like that. I went to a club with friends recently and a bunch of people were there that i knew and i pretty much had a panic attack. It sucks...Oh well better save this for a dr.


Also, I feel like these feelings come and go a lot. Some days I'll be fine around people i don't know and other days I'll feel super anxious. Anyone else feel like that?

Mike,

I was in the same position about two weeks ago. Then last week (Monday) I went to see a psychologist "to get a diagnosis", that is, I went because I want to know the origins and the nature of my problem. I'll decide on the kind of treatment on the basis of what I discover and what the psych recommends. It could be self-help, more counseling or even medication. But if you go to a psychiatrist, you're choosing only one treatment right away. That's a bit limited, don't you think?

Anyway, good luck!

Mike87 wrote:Thanks guys, i might just talk to a psycologist to start things off.

My case doesn't seem to be as extreme as others here. I can go to school and the store and stuff like that easily. I just feel inferior to others in social situations and have a low self esteem. I could never do something like go on a date with a person cause I'm deathly afraid of a situation like that. I went to a club with friends recently and a bunch of people were there that i knew and i pretty much had a panic attack. It sucks...Oh well better save this for a dr.


Also, I feel like these feelings come and go a lot. Some days I'll be fine around people i don't know and other days I'll feel super anxious. Anyone else feel like that?

It sounds more like social phobia really! If it's that, Good news! You will get better, even cured if you want it too much!

Amadeus wrote:Mike,

I was in the same position about two weeks ago. Then last week (Monday) I went to see a psychologist "to get a diagnosis", that is, I went because I want to know the origins and the nature of my problem. I'll decide on the kind of treatment on the basis of what I discover and what the psych recommends. It could be self-help, more counseling or even medication. But if you go to a psychiatrist, you're choosing only one treatment right away. That's a bit limited, don't you think?

Anyway, good luck!

Gotcha, that makes sense.


And yea after reading more i feel like i identify with social phobia more... I really need to get an official diagnosis though.

I've been going through all of this for almost a year now. As others have said, drugs are not the cure. Talk therapy is required to find the root of the problem and develop techniques to cure yourself. But I've also been taking meds (Wellbutrin and Lexapro) and they have made a huge difference. I have a lot more energy (before I was always tired) and they make me feel happier and more hopeful. This kind of support has made it a lot easier to do the work with my therapist I need to get better. It's like one less distraction standing in my way has been eliminated. But I'm not fooled that the meds have cured me. I still notice most of the same symptoms but they are not as crippling as they used to be.

Talk therapy is the most important but if you see a psychiatrist first I don't see that as being a problem if it helps you contact a psychologist and motivates you to carry through.