Avoidant Personality Disorder

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by feelings of extreme social inhibition, inadequacy, and sensitivity to negative criticism and rejection. Yet the symptoms involve more than simply being shy or socially awkward. Avoidant personality disorder causes significant problems that affect the ability to interact with others and maintain relationships in day-to-day life.

Features

 

The essential feature of avoidant personality disorder is a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation that begins by early adulthood and is present in a variety of contexts.

1.     avoid work activities that involve significant interpersonal contact because of fears of criticism, disapproval, or rejection

2.     avoid making new friends unless they are certain they will be liked and accepted without criticism

3.     act with restraint, have difficulty talking about themselves, and withhold intimate feelings for fear of being exposed, ridiculed, or shamed

4.     As they are preoccupied with being criticized or rejected in social situations, they may have a markedly low threshold for detecting such reactions

5.     are inhibited in new interpersonal situations because they feel inadequate and have low self-esteem

6.     believe themselves to be socially inept, personally unappealing, or inferior to others

7.     They are unusually reluctant to take personal risks or to engage in any new activities because these may prove embarrassing

Symptoms and Diagnosis

1.     Avoids occupational activities that involve significant interpersonal contact because of fears of criticism, disapproval, or rejection.

2.     Is unwilling to get involved with people unless certain of being liked.

3.     Shows restraint within intimate relationships because of the fear of being shamed or ridiculed.

4.     Is preoccupied with being criticized or rejected in social situations.

5.     Is inhibited in new interpersonal situations because of feelings of inadequacy.

6.     Views self as socially inept, personally unappealing, or inferior to others.

7.     Is unusually reluctant to take personal risks or to engage in any new activities because they may prove embarrassing.

Treatment

As with other personality disorders, a mental health professional will design a treatment plan that is appropriate for you. Avoidant personality disorder treatments vary, but they will likely include talk therapy. If a co-existing condition, such as depression or anxiety disorder, is also diagnosed, appropriate medications may also be used.