Sally Cat PDA

Introduction Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) research has solely focused on its external manifestations, neglecting those of us who internalise our stresses. Internalised PDA tends to go unnoticed. Our meltdowns are concealed and our demand avoidance is carried out subtly, so that we slip under the radar. However, it’s crucial to recognise that internalised PDA isn’t “less” than externalised PDA; like an iceberg, much of our experience is hidden beneath the surface. The Hidden Struggles of Internalisers The driving forces behind internalised PDA are as intense as those experienced by externalisers. This often leads to severe consequences, such as self-harm, school or work dropout, and even suicidal thoughts. It’s essential to spotlight the internalised aspects of PDA, as our ability to mask and conceal our traits results in a lack of understanding from those around us. A Guided Tour Through Internalised PDA This article invites you to explore the lesser-known aspects of PDA, partic...

This blog article explores polyvagal theory in conjunction with PDA (pathological demand avoidance), and includes definitions for readers who aren't unfamiliar with terms used.  It explores how polyvagal theory can explain extreme demand avoidance, but not all of PDA. Those who are familiar with PDA, may have heard mentions of polyvagal theory in relation to it, but have struggled to make sense of it. This was my starting point when I came to write this. I felt polyvagal theory was something I *should* know, but felt helplessly demand avoidant against reading up on (such is the nature of avoidance of the PDA kind). Thankfully, my desire to understand polyvagal theory eventually out-weighed my avoidance, and I approached Libby Hill of Smalltalk Speech and Language Therapy who specialises in PDA, situational mustism and polyvagal theory. More thankfully still, she agreed to co-author this article. It's an honour to collaborate with her because it was she who first alerted me to ...