What’s in a Name?

Social phobia (social anxiety disorder; fear of performing in public or social situations) and avoidant personality disorder (AVPD; fear of relating to others) are separate diagnoses in DSM-IV, although overlap between the two is recognized. However, controversy is ongoing about whether these are distinct but overlapping conditions or the same disorder described in different ways.

Here, researchers examined 55 patients with DSM-IIIR generalized social phobia. Thirty-six had also received diagnoses of AVPD. Patients had no current panic disorder, major depression, or substance-use disorder, and no lifetime history of psychosis or organic mental disorder. All participants completed questionnaires, and 38 (27 with AVPD) participated in two 3-mi…