How to Identify Avoidant Personality Disorder

Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by a fear of being socially inadequate, feelings of incompetence and extreme sensitivity to negative feedback. Learn some of the hallmark characteristics of avoidant personality disorder so you can be aware and tell the difference between it and other personality disorders.

Instructions

• 1

  Know that people with avoidant personality disorder often stay away from social or occupational activities that involve interaction with others. They have an overwhelming fear of being judged, criticized or rejected.

• 2

  Realize that the age of onset for this disorder is adolescence or early adulthood. A diagnosis cannot occur until age 18. There is no differentiation between men and women with this disorder.

• 3

  Recognize that individuals with avoidant personality disorder are often withdrawn or shy within intimate relationships because of their fear of being shamed or humiliated.

• 4

  Know that the unreasonable fear or preoccupation with being criticized or rejected in social situations is common. The feelings of inadequacy that cause people with this disorder to withdraw and limit new friendships or social situations are found in adults across the board.

• 5

  Understand that individuals with this disorder often have very low self-esteem. They often view themselves as socially inept, unappealing or inferior. They are usually reluctant to take personal risks or to engage in any new activities because the activities may prove embarrassing.

• 6

  Treat avoidant personality disorder. Treatment options are available for individuals with this disorder. Individual psychotherapy, particularly rationale emotive behavior approaches, may be helpful. A pharmacological approach can be used to lessen the social anxiety people experience, but it should be in combination with a psychotherapeutic intervention.