Avoidant personality disorder (APD or AvPD) is also known as anxious personality disorder. Individuals with this disorder are extremely shy and fail to interact with others leading to extreme social inhibition. These individuals fear rejection, have low self-esteem and confidence and feel that others will think of them in a negative manner. The main features of this disorder are fear of rejection, insecurity, tension, feelings of inadequacy and an inferiority complex. Avoidant personalities desire the friendship, love and affection of other individuals but refrain from social interactions as they have an extreme fear of criticism and rejection. These individuals are often very lonely and sad and do not enjoy their aloofness.

Avoidant personality disorder can be a debilitation condition as it may interfere with the normal functioning of an individual at social, personal and professional levels. It causes great deal of anxiety and depression in the individuals affected by this disorder and is often accompanied by low self-worth and lack of confidence. This disorder appears in early adulthood and is often associated with feelings of rejection from, peers, parents or others. The individual tends to avoid all form of social interaction in order to divert embarrassment or tension. The disorder is more of a defense mechanism developed to shield against rejection, criticism and extreme anxiety.

Symptoms of Avoidant Personality Disorder:

Avoidant personalities are introverts and loners.

They live all by themselves and avoid all forms of social interaction.

In case of any social contact, they try to keep it as brief as possible.

They might enjoy themselves in the company of family and friends for a while but may give in to feelings of panic and anxiety at any moment.

These individuals are extremely sensitive to criticism.

They might be successful in their profession but refrain from mixing with their colleagues.

They fantasize about the situations they avoid and would like to be part of but without the experience of anxiety.

These individuals have a specific phobia of an animal or object the origin of which is connected with an earlier negative experience.

These individuals acknowledge that they tend to avoid certain social situations in order to escape feelings of tension and anxiety.

Treatment:

Avoidant personality disorder needs to be treated before it is too late. Treatment may include psychotherapy and the use of medications to eliminate the symptoms of anxiety and depression.