Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD) is a chronic mental health condition where individuals experience extreme shyness, fear of rejection, and avoidance of social interaction despite wanting close relationships. It may have a dramatic impact on work, school, and personal life, and there are appropriate treatment options to help people cope with the symptoms and gain confidence.
We run evidence-based therapies at DeLand Treatment Solutions to assist persons with AvPD to restore their values so that they can once again enjoy their lives. Talk to a mental health specialist today, call us at (386) 866-8689 now.
What is Avoidant Personality Disorder?
Avoidant Personality Disorder is a recognized mental health condition characterized by pervasive social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to criticism. Individuals of AvPD tend to:
- Stay out of social activities
- Fear judgment/embarrassment
- Tussle with self-worth
- Want to have friends, but isolate themselves to keep out the rejection
It is not identical to shyness, as the symptoms of AvPD are stronger and long-lasting and tend to disrupt daily activities.
How Common is Avoidant Personality Disorder?
It is indicated in research that approximately 2-3 per cent of the population has a chance of developing AvPD at one time or another. It is as frequent in both men and women and it usually commences during the early adulthood.
Who Does Avoidant Personality Disorder Affect?
AvPD may afflict any person, however, some circumstances can predispose them:
- Genetics: Genetic family history of anxiety or personality disturbances
- Adulthood experiences: Lack of acceptance, ostracism or abuse
- Temperament: Reserved or rather sensitive
- Other mental or behavioral disorders: Depression or social anxiety disorder
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Symptoms and Causes of Avoidant Personality Disorder
Avoidant Personality Disorder Symptoms
Common symptoms of avoidant personality disorder include:
- Severe socially apprehensive behavior
- Avoidance of tasks or professions that have abundant interpersonal communication
- Mindset of criticism or rejection
- Little self-esteem and feelings
- Reticence is involved in seeking new things to do because of the fear of embarrassment
Tip: If you suspect AvPD, taking an avoidant personality disorder test with a mental health professional can help clarify your symptoms.
Avoidant Personality Disorder Causes
While the exact cause is unknown, AvPD is believed to develop from a combination of:
- Genetic predisposition: Inherited traits that make one more prone to a condition
- Trauma: rejection, neglect, or criticism early in life
- Environmental factors: Suspicious helicopter or hyper-critical parenting
- Temperament: sensitive or anxious styles of personality
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What is the Treatment for Avoidant Personality Disorder?
Avoidant personality disorder treatment focuses on building self-confidence, improving social skills, and addressing negative thought patterns.
Effective Treatment Options
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Applies to challenging and refutation of self-deriding thoughts.
- Schema Therapy: Treats chronic emotional styles.
- Group Therapy: Allows practicing of socialization in a safe environment.
- Medication: Can assist in coexisting mood disorders or anxiety.
Recovery Tip: It takes time to come. Incremental changes in treatment can result over time in lasting change.
When to Seek Help
Fear of social rejection should be treated like any other fear that denies you the opportunity to have a full life. Look to the professionals to help you deal with it today. Treatment early on enhances well-being and decreases the possibility of more mental health problems.
Reach out to us at (386) 866-8689 or visit DeLand Treatment Solutions to begin your journey today.
FAQs About Avoidant Personality Disorder
1. Can avoidant personality disorder be cured?
AvPD is not a terminal illness; however, symptoms can considerably improve as one continues to receive treatment and support.
2. Is avoidant personality disorder the same as social anxiety?
No. Although they are similar in terms of a fearful attitude towards social situations, AvPD is a broader problem and affects other domains of life outside of social anxiety disorder.
3. What happens if avoidant personality disorder is left untreated?
Causing isolation, depression and inability to maintain relationships or jobs, AvPD can be dangerous without treatment.
4. What are the symptoms of avoidant personality disorder?
Among the symptoms presented are extreme shyness, being afraid of being criticized, avoiding social situations, having poor self-esteem, not trying new things, and constant fears of being rejected or embarrassed.
5. Do people with avoidant personality disorder want relationships?
Yes. AvPD individuals tend to have a strong desire to have close relationships, but such fear of rejection by others and judgment prevents them from connecting to others.
