Avoidant personality disorder (APD) is usually first noticed in early adulthood and is present in a variety of situations. People with APD have many of the same characteristics as those with social anxiety disorder (SAD), however the severity of the symptoms is usually greater.
If you have been diagnosed with APD, you tend to have low self-esteem, strong feelings of inadequacy and a sensitivity to rejection. In new social settings, you will become extremely self-conscious, shy, or inhibited and will be preoccupied with being criticized or rejected. You tend to view yourself as socially inept, personally unappealing, or inferior to others. In interpersonal relationships, you will show restraint. You tend not to trust others and avoid relationships unless you are certain of being liked. Often, people with APD become socially isolated as a result of this avoidance.
APD often interferes with occupational functioning. People with the disorder will avoid work that requires interpersonal contact and are reluctant to take risks or engage in new activities.
Similarity to SAD
Research has found few differences between the kinds of symptoms that people with SAD and APD have. Because of the similarities between SAD and APD, people are often diagnosed as having both disorders. Like SAD, the central fear of people with APD is rejection, ridicule and humiliation by others. However, people with APD tend to have a broader range of symptoms, and the symptoms tend to be more severe.
Treatment of APD
APD is treated in much the same way as social anxiety disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, social skills training, group therapy, and medication have all been shown to have some impact on the disorder. However, it is sometimes difficult for people with APD to trust their therapist enough to complete treatment.
If you believe you or someone you know may be suffering with the symptoms of APD or SAD, speak to a professional as soon as possible. If left untreated, APD can lead to impairment in functioning in most areas of a person’s life.
Sources:
American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Hales, R.E., & Yudofsky, S.C. (Eds.). (2003). The American psychiatry publishing textbook of clinical psychiatry. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric.
Hummelen, B., Wilberg, T., Pederson, G., Karterud, S. (2007). The relationship between avoidant personality disorder and social phobia. Comprehensive Psychiatry. 48(4): 348-356.
Rettew, DC. (2000). Avoidant personality disorder, generalized social phobia, and shyness: putting the personality back into personality disorders. Harvard Review of Psyhchiatry. 8: 283-297.
