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Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by pervasive feelings of inadequacy, social inhibition, and extreme sensitivity to what other people think. It typically manifests itself by early adulthood.

Major Characteristics and Associated Symptoms:

Social Inhibition

People with avoidant personality disorder may avoid social settings while at the same time desiring social relationships. Even when able to form relationships, they are clingy and fearful the relationship will end. These people usually become introverts because social situations are so uncomfortable. Because of their extreme social inhibition, they will avoid occupations that involve significant contact with others.

Feelings of Inadequacy

Individuals with avoidant personality disorder view themselves as socially undesirable. They desperately want to be liked but their low self-esteem, oversensitivity, and fear of rejection keeps them from being involved in social relationships until it is clear that they will be accepted.

Oversensitivity to Negative Evaluation

Because people with this disorder fear embarrassing themselves in social situations, they may avoid occupational activities because they fear criticism, disapproval, or rejection. Those with avoidant personality disorder have a basic mistrust of others and believe that others are always watching and being critical of them.

Causes

Avoidant personality disorder has as many causes as there are people who suffer from it. The disorder may be caused by a combination of a person's parental upbringing, their personality and social development, as well as genetic and biological factors. Less than 1% of the general population has this disorder.

Treatment

Individuals with avoidant personality disorder should begin with supportive therapy techniques that help form a supportive relationship with the therapist. Depending on the person's goals and preferences, either brief, long-term, or psychodynamic insight-oriented therapies can be effective.

When the client is ready, behavioral therapies can be used to change maladaptive behaviors. It may also be used to reduce shyness and social anxiety, and develop assertiveness and social skills. This may even boost their confidence enough for the person to be more willing to take chances in social settings.

Cognitive therapy techniques, which challenge incorrect assumptions and self-statements, may also be helpful in raising the person's self-esteem.

Sometimes, interpersonal therapy, which works to correct relationship difficulties, is used with the client and their family and friends.

Group therapy can provide a supportive forum to help people with this disorder overcome social anxiety and in developing trust and support.