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Avoidant personality disorder (APD) is characterized by intense social inhibition, inadequacy, extreme sensitivity to rejection or criticism and feelings of introversion. A person suffering from APD has the true self in hiding due to a past experience or experiences that must have been traumatic, abusive and rejecting. The original pain makes it challenging or impossible for a person with avoidant personality disorder to separate the past from the present; hence everything and almost everyone becomes potentially dangerous and a threat. APD affects a person's ability to maintain relationships and interact with others in day-to-day life. Approximately, 1-5% of the general population suffers from avoidant personality disorder.

People with APD are constantly occupied by feelings of unpleasantness and confusing definitions of themselves. They tend to think of themselves as not likeable, being inadequate and not able to fit in. A person with avoidant personality disorder would describe himself or herself as anxious, fearful, lonely and sad. Low self esteem and self isolation along with avoiding work, school or other social activities for the fear of rejection and criticism are the symptoms of APD. They often can't recognize their admirable and non admirable traits. According to the American Psychiatric Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, for an individual to be diagnosed with APD, they need to display at least four of the following criteria:

• Unwilling to get involved with people unless they are certain that they will be liked.
• Preoccupied with being rejected or criticized in a social environment.
• Avoiding occupational activities that include interpersonal contact due to fear of being rejected, criticized or disapproved of.
• Displaying heavy restraints within intimate relationships because of fear of being shamed or ridiculed.
• Viewing oneself as personally unappealing, inferior and socially incompetent.
• Disinclination to taking personal risks or engaging in new activities as it might prove embarrassing.
• Holding back in new interpersonal situations due to feelings of inadequacy.

Treatment for APD individuals centers on the improvement of social skills, self esteem and confidence. A combined treatment of psychotherapy and medication is prescribed depending on the severity of the disorder. Consulting a psychotherapist or a mental health professional will help diagnose how deep rooted the cause is and treatment will be meted out accordingly. Some therapies that are included in the treatment of APD are group therapy, interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic therapy, self-hypnosis, cognitive-behavioral therapy, meditation, support groups and medication.

References:

http://www.gdn.edu/Faculty/bkicklighter/Avoidant%20Personality%20Disorder.htm

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