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Weme AV, Sørensen KD, Binder PE. Agency in avoidant personality disorder: a narrative review. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1248617. [PMID: 37790232 PMCID: PMC10543493 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1248617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Avoidant personality disorder (AvPD) is a highly prevalent personality disorder, especially in clinical settings, yet scarcely researched. People diagnosed with AvPD have severe impairments in functioning and suffer greatly, yet we still lack meta-analytic evidence for therapy and only a few RCTs are conducted. Patient factors are the most important for outcome in therapy, in general. Lack of agency might be a core deficit in people diagnosed with AvPD. Their conditions might be improved if we understand their agency better. We review previous research regarding psychological mechanisms and interpersonal relationships that facilitate or hinder agency in AvPD in daily life and psychotherapy. Methods Summarizing original literature in a narrative review with reflexive thematic analysis. Results People diagnosed with AvPD seem to have significant impairments in their sense of agency due to a lack of emotional awareness, an overweight of inhibiting vs. activating emotions, and difficulties regulating emotions. Difficulties also seem related to high levels of attachment avoidance and fear, creating strong ambivalence in social needs, in addition to a strong tendency to subordinate to others. A weak sense of self with a poor narrative, self-doubt, and harsh self-critique makes a reflexive and intentional stand increasingly difficult for these people. Conclusion This review gives a clinically meaningful understanding of core strengths and deficits in the personality functioning of AvPD that can help clinicians map out important therapeutic work, identify barriers to client-agency in therapy, and work through relational difficulties in the therapeutic alliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Varga Weme
- Group Therapy Team, Voss Outpatient District Psychiatric Unit NKS Bjørkeli AS, Voss, Norway
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kristine Dahl Sørensen
- Group Therapy Team, Aust-Agder Country Outpatient Psychiatric Unit, Sørlandet Hospital, Arendal, Norway
| | - Per-Einar Binder
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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2
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Wilberg T, Pedersen G, Bremer K, Johansen MS, Kvarstein EH. Combined group and individual therapy for patients with avoidant personality disorder-A pilot study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1181686. [PMID: 37215654 PMCID: PMC10192633 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1181686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Avoidant personality disorder (AvPD) is a common disorder within mental health services, associated with significant psychosocial impairment. The disorder has been neglected in research. There are currently no evidence-based treatments for AvPD, and there is a need for treatment studies focusing particularly on this form of personality pathology. The present study was a pilot study of combined group and individual therapy for patients with AvPD, based on mentalization-based and metacognitive interpersonal therapy. The aim was to investigate the feasibility of the treatment program and the course of symptoms and personality functioning during treatment and 1-year follow-up. Methods The study included 28 patients. Clinical evaluation at baseline comprised structured diagnostic interviews and patients' self-report of symptoms, psychosocial function, interpersonal problems, personality functioning, alexithymia, self-esteem, attachment style, therapeutic alliance, and client satisfaction. Patients' self-report were repeated at the end of treatment and 1-year follow-up. Results The drop-out rate was 14%. Average treatment length among the 22 treatment completers was 17 months. Mean levels of therapeutic alliance and client satisfaction were satisfactory. Effect sizes were large for global symptom distress, depression, anxiety, and psychosocial adjustment, and in the moderate range for aspects of personality functioning. Yet, the results showed a wide range of outcomes among the patients. Conclusions This pilot study shows promising results for combined group- and individual therapy for AvPD patients with moderate to severe impairment. Larger scale studies should be conducted to increase empirically based knowledge to guide development of differentiated treatments adapted to patients' various levels of AvPD severity and profiles of personality dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Wilberg
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Department of Research and Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Geir Pedersen
- Section for Personality Psychiatry and Specialized Treatments, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- The Norwegian Centre of Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjetil Bremer
- Section for Personality Psychiatry and Specialized Treatments, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Merete Selsbakk Johansen
- Section for Personality Psychiatry and Specialized Treatments, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority, Unit for Mental Health Care and Substance Abuse Treatment, Hamar, Norway
| | - Elfrida Hartveit Kvarstein
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Section for Personality Psychiatry and Specialized Treatments, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Simon J, Lambrecht B, Bach B. Cross-walking personality disorder types to ICD-11 trait domains: An overview of current findings. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1175425. [PMID: 37091704 PMCID: PMC10116048 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1175425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The ICD-11 has adopted a classification of Personality Disorders (PD) that abolishes the established categorical PD types in favor of global severity classification with specification of individual trait domains. To facilitate and guide this profound transition, an overview of current research on empirical associations between established PD types and ICD-11 trait domains seems warranted. We identified a total of 9 relevant studies from 2018 to 2022, which were based on both clinical and community samples from U.S., China, Brazil, Denmark, Spain, Korea, and Canada. The patterns of associations with ICD-11 trait domains were systematically synthesized and portrayed for each PD type. Findings overall showed expected and conceptually meaningful associations between categorical PD types and ICD-11 trait domains, with only few deviations. Based on these findings, we propose a cross-walk for translating categorical PD types into ICD-11 trait domains. More research is needed in order to further guide continuity and translation between ICD-10 and ICD-11 PD classification in mental healthcare, including facet-level ICD-11 trait information. Moreover, the nine reviewed studies only relied on self-reported ICD-11 trait domains, which should be expanded with clinician-rated trait domains in future research. Finally, future research should also take ICD-11's essential PD severity classification into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonatan Simon
- Center for Personality Disorder Research (CPDR), Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Bastian Lambrecht
- Center for Personality Disorder Research (CPDR), Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Bo Bach
- Center for Personality Disorder Research (CPDR), Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Bo Bach,
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Pedersen G, Wilberg T, Hummelen B, Hartveit Kvarstein E. The Norwegian network for personality disorders - development, contributions and challenges through 30 years. Nord J Psychiatry 2022:1-9. [PMID: 36409693 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2022.2147995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Established in 1992, the Norwegian Network for Personality Disorders (The Network) is a clinical research collaboration of specialist mental health and addiction services in Norway. Its primary focus is to facilitate systematic and relevant clinical assessment for patients with personality disorder and evaluate progress in psychotherapeutic treatment. However, large-scale data registers for personality disorder are still unique. This article presents the circumstances that led to the establishment of the Network, and its development and challenges in many areas, and through various phases. METHODS In the following, we will outline how this close interaction between researchers, clinicians, and well-adapted systems has facilitated cooperation and clinical research. We will highlight some key factors that have been decisive during the network's development, and not least for further adaptation and existence. RESULTS Through 30 years, the Network has succeeded in establishing a large and sustainable clinical research collaboration with a persistent focus on personality disorder and psychotherapeutic treatment. The collaboration has resulted in a broad range of scientific contributions to the understanding of personality disorder, assessment and measurement methods, treatment alliance, clinical outcomes, service utilization, and costs. In addition, The Network has also resulted in a number of synergy effects that have benefited clinicians, patients, and researchers. CONCLUSIONS The Norwegian Network for Personality Disorders has become an acknowledged institution in the field. Many aspects of its development, organization, maintenance, and solutions to challenges may be relevant to others who plan to establish, maintain, or further develop similar collaborations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Pedersen
- Section for Personality Psychiatry and Specialized Treatments, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,The Norwegian Centre of Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Theresa Wilberg
- Department of Research and Innovation, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Benjamin Hummelen
- Department of Research and Innovation, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elfrida Hartveit Kvarstein
- Section for Personality Psychiatry and Specialized Treatments, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Bach B, Mulder R. Clinical Implications of ICD-11 for Diagnosing and Treating Personality Disorders. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2022; 24:553-563. [PMID: 36001221 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01364-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The International Classification of Diseases 11th revision (ICD-11) introduced a new approach to personality disorders and related traits. This paper reviews recent literature on the assessment of ICD-11 personality disorders and implications for clinical diagnosis, decision-making, and treatment. RECENT FINDINGS We reviewed findings on two measures developed for the ICD-11 model of personality dysfunction and six inventories for the ICD-11 trait specifiers. The psychometric qualities of these tools are promising, and they allow for both rapid screening and fine-grained assessment. Implications for clinical diagnosis and treatment of personality disorders are reviewed including utility for forensic practice. Based on evidence and our experience, we provide some recommendations for severity- and trait-informed interventions. Initial evidence supports the available instruments for assessing ICD-11 personality disorders. More research is needed including development of clinician-rating forms and diagnostic interviews as well as treatment protocols and trials based on the new ICD-11 classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Bach
- Center for Personality Disorder Research (CPDR), Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Fælledvej 6, Bygning 3, 4200, Slagelse, Denmark. .,Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Roger Mulder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Bach B, Kramer U, Doering S, di Giacomo E, Hutsebaut J, Kaera A, De Panfilis C, Schmahl C, Swales M, Taubner S, Renneberg B. The ICD-11 classification of personality disorders: a European perspective on challenges and opportunities. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2022; 9:12. [PMID: 35361271 PMCID: PMC8973542 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-022-00182-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The 11th revision of the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) includes a fundamentally new approach to Personality Disorders (PD). ICD-11 is expected to be implemented first in European countries before other WHO member states. The present paper provides an overview of this new ICD-11 model including PD severity classification, trait domain specifiers, and the additional borderline pattern specifier. We discuss the perceived challenges and opportunities of using the ICD-11 approach with particular focus on its continuity and discontinuity with familiar PD categories such as avoidant PD and narcissistic PD. The advent of the ICD-11 PD classification involves major changes for health care workers, researchers, administrators, and service providers as well as patients and families involved. The anticipated challenges and opportunities are put forward in terms of specific unanswered questions. It is our hope that these questions will stimulate further research and discussion among researchers and clinicians in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Bach
- Center for Personality Disorder Research, Slagelse Psychiatric Hospital, Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Ueli Kramer
- Institute of Psychotherapy/General Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Doering
- Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ester di Giacomo
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Joost Hutsebaut
- Viersprong Institute for Studies on Personality Disorders, Halsteren, Netherlands
| | - Andres Kaera
- Kanta-Häme Central Hospital, Hämeenlinna, Finland
| | - Chiara De Panfilis
- Unit of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Christian Schmahl
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Svenja Taubner
- Institute for Psychosocial Prevention, University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Babette Renneberg
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Freie Universität, Habelschwerdter Allee 45, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
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Simonsen S, Popolo R, Juul S, Frandsen FW, Sørensen P, Dimaggio G. Treating Avoidant Personality Disorder With Combined Individual Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy and Group Mentalization-Based Treatment: A Pilot Study. J Nerv Ment Dis 2022; 210:163-171. [PMID: 34710894 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Avoidant personality disorder (AvPD) is a severe but understudied condition. The current pilot project reports data on acceptability and outcomes of a novel treatment combining biweekly individual metacognitive interpersonal therapy (MIT) and weekly mentalization-based therapy (MBT) group therapy. A total of 30 patients with AvPD were consecutively included in the program. The primary outcome was AvPD-specific personality functioning measured by self-report after treatment. Secondary outcomes were symptom distress, interpersonal problems, quality of life, and psychosocial functioning. Twenty-two patients completed treatment, with a mean duration of 13 months. On the primary outcome, effect sizes were generally moderate to large (effect size range: 0.59-1.10). On secondary outcomes, effect sizes were large (effect size range: 0.77-2.3). Both in terms of acceptability and outcomes, results are promising for the combination of MIT and MBT for AvPD. The approach is a strong candidate for further investigation in future large-scale randomized controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Simonsen
- Stolpegaard Psychotherapy Centre, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Gentofte, Denmark
| | | | - Sophie Juul
- Stolpegaard Psychotherapy Centre, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Gentofte, Denmark
| | | | - Per Sørensen
- Stolpegaard Psychotherapy Centre, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Gentofte, Denmark
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Frederiksen C, Solbakken OA, Licht RW, Jørgensen CR, Rodrigo-Domingo M, Kjaersdam Telléus G. Emotional dysfunction in avoidant personality disorder and borderline personality disorder: A cross-sectional comparative study. Scand J Psychol 2021; 62:878-886. [PMID: 34523729 PMCID: PMC9291737 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
According to the literature, avoidant personality disorder (APD) is often overlooked in research on personality disorders. In the present study, patients with APD were compared to patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) with respect to emotional dysfunction. Emotional dysfunction was operationalized through the Affect Integration Inventory. Sixty-one patients receiving treatment at specialized outpatient hospital facilities for either BPD (n = 25) or APD (n = 36) (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition) were included in a cross-sectional study. Supporting our expectations of no difference in the global capacity for affect integration between groups, the estimated difference was 0.00 (95% confidence interval [CI] [-0.53, 0.53]). On the other hand, the expected increased dysfunction in APD regarding Expression could not be confirmed. Furthermore, problems with specific affects distinguished the groups; integration of Interest was worse in APD (p = 0.01), whereas integration of Jealousy was worse in BPD (p = 0.04). In terms of prototypical modes of experiencing affects, APD was characterized by decreased access to the motivational properties of Interest (p < 0.01), while BPD was more driven by Interest (p < 0.01), Anger (p < 0.01), and Jealousy (p = 0.01). In conclusion, even though the two disorders are characterized by similar overall levels of emotional dysfunction, they differ systematically and predictably regarding specific affects and modes of experiencing. These findings carry implications for the understanding of emotional dysfunction in APD and BPD, suggesting specific areas of emotional dysfunction that could be targeted in tailored psychotherapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Frederiksen
- Psychiatric Clinic North, Brønderslev Psychiatric Hospital, Brønderslev, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | - Rasmus W Licht
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.,Psychiatry, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | | | - Gry Kjaersdam Telléus
- Psychiatry, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.,Psychology, Department of Communication and Psychology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Effects of Integrated Violence Intervention on Alexithymia, Cognitive, and Neurocognitive Features of Violence in Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11070837. [PMID: 34202608 PMCID: PMC8301770 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11070837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with schizophrenia and repetitive violence express core impairments that encompass multiple domains. To date, there have been few interventions integrating neurocognition, social cognition, alexithymia, and emotion regulation together as an approach to manage repetitive violence. The aim of this open-label randomized controlled trial was to examine more comprehensively the effectiveness of a novel Integrated Cognitive Based Violence Intervention Program on management of repetitive violence in patients with schizophrenia (vSZ). Sixty recruited patients were aged ≥20 years, diagnosed with schizophrenia for >2 years, had repetitive violent behavior within one year, and were psychiatrically hospitalized. The vSZ patients were randomly allocated to two groups and received either the intervention or treatment as usual. The intervention module, consisting of all defined 11 cognitive and social cognitive domains as well as emotion regulation, which were grouped into four modules. The intervention placed emphasis on the patients’ behavioral problems or intrinsic conflicts in relation to repetitive violence. The results indicate a statistically significant trend toward reducing impulsivity, anger with resentment, physical aggression, suspicion, and hostility (p < 0.05). The intervention significantly alleviated the intensity of cognitive failure, improved the management of alexithymic features and attribution styles and errors, and fostered adequate decision-making styles and emotion regulation capacity (p < 0.05). The intervention, when applied in conjunction with psychiatric standard care, could exert synergistic effects on alexithymia and cognitive, clinical, and neurocognitive features of repetitive violence in schizophrenia. This intervention provided patients a more active role to manage their violent behavior with the involvement of alexithymia.
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Simonsen S, Bo S. Awakening to recognize the detrimental effects of social avoidance and the possibility of healing through reconnection. J Clin Psychol 2021; 77:1153-1161. [PMID: 33821501 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness and social avoidance are widespread and serious mental health problems. People experiencing loneliness or social avoidance have difficulties maintaining ordinary life activities and often experience profound suffering. How do we as clinicians deal with or help people out of loneliness and social avoidance? AIMS In this paper, we introduce the issue on loneliness and social avoidance. We do so by first defining loneliness and social avoidance and outlining the impact on mental health issues of these phenomena. Next, we introduce the six papers central to the special issue along with some thoughts on how to understand therapy and treatment of social avoidance. DISCUSSION We discuss new directions and how to move beyond more conventional therapeutic approaches to these problems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sune Bo
- Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Roskilde, Denmark
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