Avoidant Personality Disorder

[?] Subscribe To
This Site

Avoidant Personality Disorder

The main feature of Avoidant Personality Disorder is the need to avoid others 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 an 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.

Resource:

American Psychiatric Association (APA), 2000. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. Washington, D.C., American Psychiatric Association.

Related Articles:

footer for avoidant personality disorder page