Avoidant personality
Avoidant Personality Disorder (APD) is a personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. The disorder is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
People with avoidant personality disorder often exhibit a pattern of avoiding social interactions due to fear of criticism or rejection. They may also have a strong desire for social intimacy, but their anxiety and fear of rejection make it difficult for them to form close relationships. Other symptoms may include self-imposed social isolation, feelings of inadequacy, and a preoccupation with being criticized or rejected in social situations.
Causes[edit | edit source]
The exact cause of avoidant personality disorder is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, social, and psychological factors. Some research suggests that it may be linked to certain inherited traits, while others believe it may be the result of experiences in early childhood, such as neglect or emotional abuse.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of avoidant personality disorder is typically made by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, based on a thorough clinical interview and a detailed examination of the person's symptoms and personal history. The DSM-5 provides specific criteria for the diagnosis, which includes a persistent pattern of avoidance of social interactions, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for avoidant personality disorder typically involves psychotherapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help individuals with this disorder to identify and change thought patterns that lead to avoidance and fear. In some cases, medication may also be used to help manage symptoms, particularly if the person also suffers from a co-occurring disorder such as depression or anxiety.
See also[edit | edit source]
.svg){kind=icon} | This psychiatry-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
