Avoidant Personality Disorder
Discover Whether or Not This Personality Disorder is a Problem for You!

The main feature of Avoidant Personality Disorder is due to not feeling "good enough" or fear of receiving a "negative evaluation" from others. This disorder typically begins in early adolescence.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), avoidant personality symptoms are as follows:

Four or more of these symptoms need to be present:

• Avoids occupational relationships and/or activities that involve the possibility of being criticized, disapproved, or rejected in anyway.


• Will not associate with others unless certain that he or she will be accepted.


• Very guarded in personal relationships due to fear of being rejected.


• Continually focuses on being rejected, ridiculed, or criticized by others.


• Has difficulty opening up in new relationships due to feelings of not being good enough.


• Believes that he or she isn't as worthy as others.


• Typically refuses to try new activities or take risks due to fear of embarrassing oneself.

If you feel that you may have a avoidant personality, talk to a local therapist or doctor about your concerns.

Keep in mind, in order to be diagnosed with this condition, this disorder has to take up a significant part of your daily living. In other words, if your symptoms haven't caused several problems with the law, in your relationships, or with your career/job, then it's unlikely that this disorder is an issue.

However, it's not uncommon to have a few of these symptoms at one point in your life! Just remember, it has to be severe enough that it has affected your ability to function in a logical, respectful manner.