Using the Internet to Treat Generalized Social Phobia and Avoidant Personality Disorder
by Storm A. King & Stephan T. Poulos
Cite as:
King. S. A. & Poulos, S. T. (1998). Using the Internet to treat Generalized Social Phobia and Avoidant
Personality Disorder. CyberPsychology and Behavior, 1 (1), 29-36.
Abstracts
People with Generalized Social Phobia (GSP) or Avoidant PersonalityDisorder (APD) suffer from an inability to comfortably interact in social situations. This paper will propose methods for using the Internet as a means of treating these conditions through on-line support groups. Established on-line support groups for these conditions are reviewed and suggestions are offered for creating virtual environments effective in the treatment of GSP and APD. Results from recent research on the value of on-line support groups are reviewed. Various possible ways for psychologists to use the Internet as an adjunct in working with this population are explored. Also addressed will be the potential for people with these disorders to become dependent upon Internet interpersonal relationships to the exclusion of all others.
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Created and maintained by Storm A. King
last updated 01/2006
