Health Encyclopedia

Avoidant personality disorder

Definition

Avoidant personality disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by a lifelong pattern of extreme shyness, feelings of inadequacy, and sensitivity to rejection.

Alternative Names

Personality disorder - avoidant

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Personality disorders are lifelong patterns of behavior that cause problems with work and relationships. About 1% of the population has this disorder, which is equally divided between the sexes. The cause of avoidant personality disorder is unknown.

Symptoms

People with avoidant personality disorder are preoccupied with their own shortcomings and form relationships with others only if they believe they will not be rejected. Loss and rejection are so painful that these individuals will choose to be lonely rather than risk trying to connect with others.

Signs and tests

A person with avoidant personality may:

Be easily hurt by criticism or disapproval
Show excessive restraint in intimate relationships
Be reluctant to become involved with people
Avoid activities or occupations that involve contact with others
Be shy in social situations out of fear of doing something wrong
Exaggerate potential difficulties
Hold the view they are socially inept, inferior,or unappealing to other people

Treatment

Antidepressant medications can often reduce sensitivity to rejection. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral approaches, may be helpful. A combination of medication and talk therapy may be more effective than either treatment alone.

Expectations (prognosis)

People with this disorder may develop some ability to relate to others, and this can be improved with treatment.

Complications

Without treatment, a person with avoidant personality disorder may become resigned to a life of near or total isolation. They may go on to develop a second psychiatric disorder such as substance abuse or a mood disorder such as depression.

Calling your health care provider

See your health care provider or a psychiatrist if shyness or fear of rejection overwhelms your ability to function in life and relationships.

Review Date:11/15/2006
Reviewed By:Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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