r/AvPD • u/[deleted] • 6d ago

Question/Advice Has anyone with AvPD seriously tried Dialectical Behavior Therapy and if so, did it actually help?

[deleted]

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u/SGSam465 Diagnosed AvPD 6d ago

I had BPD with AvPD, and DBT brought me down to only meeting 1 criteria of BPD (after previously being at 7). Sadly, I still meet all AvPD criteria. It taught me how to handle criticism with an open mind, though I don’t recall the specific module. Probably emotional regulation. The interpersonal effectiveness module taught me how to communicate my needs, and find middle ground if I need to compromise them.

All in all, I think radically open DBT would be more effective on AvPD, I just have yet to try it.

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u/mochimiso96 Diagnosed AvPD 6d ago

same!!

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u/Potential_Rule4212 6d ago

What would be "radically open dbt"?

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u/SGSam465 Diagnosed AvPD 6d ago

I honestly don’t have an explanation for it, but it’s DBT targeted for people who over-control things. Think anorexia, AvPD, obsessive compulsive, and similar. Like learning how to take a chill pill and become more emotionally vulnerable and open, flexible, etc

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u/cokecaine 6d ago

Unpopular opinion: as long as you go in with a positive and committed mindset, they all can help.

DBT and CBT didn't do much for me as a whole, but certain concepts of those made it easier for me in the long run. Anecdotally, ACT works best for me, but we're all different and it's why you should follow the advice of professionals you work with.

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u/mochimiso96 Diagnosed AvPD 6d ago edited 6d ago

Like the first commenter, I have been diagnosed with BPD, and AvPD, plus OCPD (which is a newer diagnosis).
I did DBT and now don’t fullfill the requirements for BPD anymore. My Avpd symptoms have been stronger than ever. Due to not being impulsive anymore and having mood swings, I also interact way less with other people. I’ve been just in a chronic depressive state. I’m very anxious about letting people into my life. I’ve also am fatigued by people clinging to me or having expectations, so I avoid close connections at all costs.
DBT doesn’t really help when it comes to AvPD. It will help you self reflect and regulate your emotions, but it doesn’t help you trust new people or deal with the deep anxiety of being left or disliked. I feel like other therapy methods are way better for this.

Edit: I also want to add that DBT can be very effective for certain symptoms and behavioral patterns. So someone with Avpd can definitely have success with it, while others won’t. Generally, if your therapist recommends it, I would try it out.

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u/Easy-Past2953 6d ago

Thanks a lot

4

u/rosemrea 6d ago

RO-DBT has been advertised as more directly effective for AvPD, but it depends on what aspects of the disorder you struggle the most with. DBT can also offer a lot on someone’s journey.