Avoidant Personality Disorder

Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) is a mental health condition that causes an intense fear of rejection and low self-esteem. People with this condition may have chronic feelings of inadequacy. 

The symptoms of avoidant personality disorder can disrupt a person’s functioning and reduce their quality of life. People with this disorder require treatment to manage its symptoms. 

This article will provide information about avoidant personality disorder. You will learn: 

• Avoidant personality disorder symptoms
• The cause of AVPD
• How mental health professionals diagnose this condition
• What to expect in personality disorder treatment
• Where to find mental health treatment and support

If you or someone you love lives with avoidant personality disorder or another mental health condition, you are not alone. Reach out to the specialists at Agape Behavioral Center to learn about our treatment and support programs. Contact us with questions or to set up an intake appointment. 

What is Avoidant Personality Disorder?

Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) is one of ten identified personality disorders. It belongs to the “Cluster C” personality disorders, which involve fear, anxiety, and distress. Personality disorders can affect a person’s behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. They can cause people to act in ways that don’t match cultural norms or expectations. 

Avoidant personality disorder is a mental health condition that can cause people to feel inadequate in social situations. People with AVPD may dread social situations or have an intense fear of judgment. Studies suggest between 1.5 and 2.5% of the US population meets the diagnostic criteria for AVPD.

People with avoidant personality disorder may experience intense distress in social situations. They may live with chronic stress and anxiety that affects daily functioning. They have poor self-esteem and a deep sensitivity to criticism. 

There are some similarities between AVPD and social anxiety disorder (SAD). People with SAD may avoid social situations because of anxiety. Those with AVPD avoid social situations because of their low self-esteem and fear of judgment. 

Those living with AVPD must seek treatment, which may include talk therapy, lifestyle changes, and medications. 

Signs of Avoidant Personality Disorder

The symptoms of avoidant personality disorder can impair a person’s functioning and cause significant distress. They can impact a person’s quality of life. 

Some signs of avoidant personality disorder include:

• Chronic feelings of being unappealing or inferior
• Feeling very sensitive to criticism
• Worry about being unappealing or rejected in social situations
• Having a poor self-image
• Intense fear of judgment or embarrassment
• Preferring isolation over social situations
• Not wanting to interact with others socially without the reassurance of being liked
• Exaggerating or misinterpreting feedback as critical
• Avoiding trying new things or taking risks
• Feeling shy or self-conscious in social situations

People with avoidant personality disorder may avoid social situations at any cost. They may choose jobs that have minimal contact with others, struggle to maintain relationships, and experience chronic stress or anxiety about judgment or criticism. 

Personality disorders can respond to treatment. Starting treatment as early as possible is critical to managing symptoms. 

What Causes Avoidant Personality Disorder?

Researchers do not know what causes personality disorders. However, there are several promising theories, including:

• Early childhood environment and experiences
• Attachment style
• Genetics
• Temperament during infancy

Most people begin to exhibit signs of a personality disorder during childhood or adolescence. Mental health professionals typically do not diagnose people with personality disorders until after the age of 18.  It is essential to seek treatment as soon as you recognize the symptoms for the best outcomes. 

How Do Professionals Diagnose Avoidant Personality Disorder?

Mental health professionals typically wait until a person is at least 18 years old before exploring a diagnosis of avoidant personality disorder. A person’s personality changes throughout childhood and adolescence, and establishing a long-term pattern of behaviors is essential for an accurate diagnosis. 

It can be challenging to diagnose personality disorders accurately. People with personality disorders typically cannot identify a problem with their thoughts or behaviors. 

However, some people seek treatment for other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, which can occur as a result of their personality disorder symptoms. For example, someone with AVPD may become socially isolated, resulting in depression. 

A licensed mental health professional may use general questions to explore the possibility of personality disorder symptoms. They may ask about:

• Employment history
• Relationships
• Past experiences
• Reality testing

Mental health professionals may ask friends or family about the person’s behaviors and experiences to get a more accurate picture. 

This information can help a psychologist or psychiatrist make an accurate diagnosis. Then, the person with avoidant personality disorder can work with their mental health team to create an effective treatment plan. 

Treatment for Avoidant Personality Disorder

Psychotherapy is the most effective form of treatment for personality disorders. There are two types of talk therapy used in the treatment of AVPD:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This structured therapy can help people explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. People learn to make meaningful changes in their behaviors and thoughts, which can help them develop better coping skills. 
• Psychodynamic therapy: This form of therapy helps people identify the roots of their emotional pain. It also helps people explore problematic behaviors and relationships, allowing them to better understand themselves and make healthy changes in their behaviors. 

Some people with AVPD may take medications to manage the symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. However, there is no medication to treat personality disorders. 

Find Mental Health Treatment Now

While you cannot prevent avoidant personality disorder, you can treat it. Getting compassionate, comprehensive treatment can help you manage the symptoms of this condition and improve your quality of life. 

Reach out to the Agape Behavioral Center specialists to learn more about our mental health treatment and support programs. 

References:

1. National Institute of Health (NIH): Avoidant personality disorder: current insights
2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Avoidant Personality Disorder
3. American Psychological Association (APA): Avoidant Personality Disorder and Social Functioning: A Longitudinal, Observational Study Investigating Predictors of Change in a Clinical Sample
4. Science Direct: A network analysis of DSM-5 avoidant personality disorder diagnostic criteria