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Avoidant Personality Disorder
What is avoidant personality disorder?
People who have avoidant personality disorder (APD) avoid people because they fear being embarrassed and rejected. APD usually starts in
early adulthood. Both women and men may have this disorder.
What is the cause?
The exact cause of APD is not known. Experts think it may be caused by chemical differences in the brain or nervous system. It might also
be related to problems in the family such as abuse, financial stresses, death of loved ones, or mental illness.
Children who are criticized or punished when they express emotion may try to avoid being hurt by keeping their feelings to themselves. They
might avoid other people to avoid feeling bad. Children may learn fear from parents who were fearful. The person may often feel
overwhelmed and withdraw as a way to protect himself.
What are the symptoms?
People who have APD have at least 4 of the following symptoms. They:
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avoid jobs that have a lot of people contact because they fear criticism, disapproval, or rejection
do not get involved with people unless they can be certain of being liked
do not trust others. They find it very hard to share feelings or let themselves be vulnerable.
fear that people will make fun of them
worry all the time about being criticized or rejected
feel so shy and inadequate that they keep other people from getting close
see themselves as hopeless, unappealing, or not as good as other people
do not take risks or try new activities because they do not want to be embarrassed
insult people who attempt to be friendly
avoid intimacy rather than avoiding people.
How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider or therapist will ask about your symptoms and examine you. He or she may also:
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ask about your relationships with family, friends, and co-workers
give you a personality test
suggest lab tests to rule out medical problems
make sure medicines are not causing or increasing your symptoms
rule out other mental health problems.
How is it treated?
Several types of therapy may help.
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Psychotherapy can help you see yourself more clearly. It helps you recognize the effects of your behavior on others. This can help
you change behaviors that get in the way of living a satisfying life. Behavior therapy helps you face social interactions for longer
periods of time.
Cognitive behavior therapy is a way to help you identify and change views you have of yourself, the world, and the future that are
not realistic. This therapy helps you recognize unhealthy ways of thinking. You will learn new thought and behavior patterns that
lead to healthier living.
Supportive therapy gives encouragement ("you can do it"), positive feedback ("you are good enough to succeed"), and
reassurance ("you can handle the anxiety").
Antidepressant medicines may help relieve anxiety.
Patient handouts provided by Merck Medicus. Copyright © 2012-2013 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.
Patient Handouts
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When should I seek help?
If your symptoms are seriously interfering with your daily life, seek help from your healthcare provider or a mental health professional.
Patient handouts provided by Merck Medicus. Copyright © 2012-2013 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.