Posted by JahL on May 5, 2001, at 18:29:22
In reply to ADD + perfectionism = Social Phobia??, posted by JohnM on May 4, 2001, at 22:09:03
> > I think if I have any other problems besides attention it would be a perfectionistic attitude which makes me overly concerned with what others might think of me. The combination of the two could spell a recipe for "social phobia." I've reduced my perfectionism considerably with rational-emotive therapy.
I think perfectionism (& I speak as THE arch-perfectionist) can be regarded as a stand-alone 'personality trait' which, if not obsessive in nature, doesn't necessarily cause the individual any distress (the same cannot be said of those that have to live with the perfectionist!).I don't believe it 'causes' social anxiety, tho' this probably exacerbates the perfectionist streak in you. Social phobics are v concerned with how others perceive them. I believe perfectionism can sometimes be employed subconsciously to create the desired good impression.
Perfectionism could also be seen as a compensatory tool for difficulties yr ADD might cause you.
> > The idea of having to speak to a large group makes me panicky, but that is a common fear with alot of people.
The 'panicky' description is possibly suggestive of 'specific' social phobia/anxiety which is characterised by performance anxiety & is less disalbing than the 'generalized' (& much more pervasive) form that tends to appear on this board. As you say though, it's a common enough problem. I think it's a question of *degree*.
J.
poster:JahL
thread:61542
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010424/msgs/61722.html