Avoidant Personality Disorder
- A-B
- C-D
- E-F
- G-H
- I-J
- K-L
- M-N
- O-P
- Q-R
- S-T
- U-V
- W-X
- Y-Z
This disorder, or anxious personality disorder, is a cluster C personality disorder characterized by excessive social anxiety and inhibition, fear of intimacy, severe feelings of inadequacy and inferiority, and an overreliance on avoidance of feared stimuli as a maladaptive coping method.
The main sign of avoidant personality disorder is having such a strong fear of rejection that you choose isolation over being around people. This pattern of behavior can vary from mild to extreme.
Other signs and behaviors of avoidant personality disorder include:
Having a poor self-image, seeing themselves as inadequate and inferior.
Being overly concerned about criticism or disapproval.
May be reluctant to become involved with others unless they know for sure that others will like them.
Experiencing extreme anxiety (nervousness) and fear in social settings and relationships. This may lead them to avoid activities or jobs that involve being with others.
Being shy and self-conscious in social situations due to a fear of doing something wrong or feeling embarrassed.
Tending to exaggerate potential problems or misinterpret feedback as negative.
Seldom trying anything new or taking chances.