Personality involves thoughts, feelings and behaviour. A person with Avoidant Personality Disorder thinks, feels and behaves in ways which restricts their relationships. Avoidant Personality Disorder is characterised by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy and a hypersensitivity to negative evaluation by others. Avoidant Personality Disorder occurs more often in young adults than in older adults. Avoidant Personality Disorder may belong to a social anxiety spectrum that also includes social phobia.

 

Symptoms of Avoidant Personality Disorder

The symptoms of Avoidant Personality Disorder may include insecurity, self consciousness, tension, avoidance of personal and work activities which involve contact with others, or fear of being criticised, ridiculed or shamed. A person with Avoidant Personality Disorder may view themself as inadequate and socially inept. Avoidant Personality Disorder, like all Personality Disorders (PD), is either seen as a mental health problem, or a label that is used to pathologize behaviour that is not considered ‘normal’.

Causes of Avoidant Personality Disorder

Avoidant Personality Disorder may be related to anxiety, avoidance of emotion or novelty, fear of criticism or rejection, fear of personal relationships or work relationships, or interpreting comments from others in a negative way. Avoidant Personality Disorder may also be related to general avoidance behaviour, low self esteem, social phobia, or having a family member with Avoidant Personality Disorder, or social phobia. Avoidant Personality Disorder traits may appear in late childhood or early adolescence.

 

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