Avoidant Personality Disorder

  • Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by extreme social inhibition (shyness), feelings of inadequacy, and acute sensitivity to actual or perceived rejection.
  • While most people have feelings of insecurity, for an individual with avoidant personality disorder, these feelings are extremely intense and lead to an avoidance of social interaction that negatively impacts his or her day-to-day life.

Signs & Symptoms:

  • Persistent and pervasive feelings of tension and apprehension
  • Belief that one is socially inept, personally unappealing, or inferior to others
  • Excessive preoccupation with being criticized or rejected in social situations
  • Unwillingness to become involved with people unless certain of being liked
  • Restrictions in lifestyle because of need to have physical security
  • Avoidance of social or occupational activities that involve significant interpersonal contact because of fear of criticism, disapproval, or rejection
    • Associated features may include hypersensitivity to rejection and criticism