What is Avoidant Personality Disorder?
Avoidant Personality Disorder is a type of personality disorder that can cause people to be extremely shy and feel inadequate, which makes it difficult for them to be around other people. People who have this disorder may also fear being judged or criticized by others.
It was first recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1994 under the name “Anxious Personality Disorder.” In 2013, it was changed to its current name. If you think you might have Avoidant Personality Disorder, talk with your doctor about treatment options so you can get back on track with your life!
What is Avoidant Personalty Disorder (AvPD)?
Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD) is a personality disorder in Cluster C. As the name suggests, avoidance of dreaded stimuli is the key coping mechanism of people with AvPD.
Despite a deep desire for affection, that affected exhibit a history of intense social anxiety, social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy and inferiority, excessive vulnerability to unfavorable judgment and dismissal, and social contact avoidance.
People with AvPD often believe themselves to be socially incompetent or emotionally unappealing and avoid social contact for fear of being ridiculed, embarrassed, dismissed, or hated. If they are confident they would be liked, they also resist being associated with others.
It is a continuous pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
1) Avoiding professional activities that require interpersonal relationships for fear of being criticized, disliked, or excluded.
2) Not wanting to engage with people unless they are sure that they are loved.
3) Showing imprisonment in close relations with the fear of embarrassment and mockery.
4) To reflect on social criticism or exclusion.
5) Blockage in situations where they are in the same environment as new people due to feelings of disability.
6) To consider him/herself as socially incompetent and not personally attracted.
7) Not wanting to take personal initiatives or participate in new events because of embarrassment.