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6 Signs of Avoidant Personality Disorder

Channel: Psych2Go
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll6VdT03aRk

The channel lists six signs of avoidant personality disorder (AvPD), an extreme form of shyness in which intense fear of criticism and rejection causes a person to shut themselves off from the world.

Key points

  • AvPD is distinguished from ordinary shyness/introversion by how intense and life-limiting it is, affecting relationships and work.
    1. Intense fear of rejection: extreme sensitivity to criticism; per Psychology Today, can be severe enough that the person prefers isolation over any risk of being rejected.
    1. Lack of close relationships: fear of rejection causes difficulty forming bonds; avoiding others unless acceptance is assured, fearing intimacy and pushing people away, leaving a limited social network.
    1. Avoiding risk-taking: turning down promotions or job changes for fear of failure, since failure invites embarrassment, rejection, and ridicule; limits new experiences.
    1. Excessive shyness: meeting new people is stressful; even talking to known people is hard; loud, negative inner thoughts; preferring to stay in over going out.
    1. Low self-esteem: feelings of inadequacy, comparing oneself to others, feeling unworthy and socially inept, which deepens isolation.
    1. Avoids conflict: people-pleasing, settling for less, and trouble making decisions when others are involved, all to dodge disapproval.
  • The presentation varies by person; AvPD can be comorbid with anxiety and depression, and the channel says it is treatable with professional help.
  • Stated to be informational only, not a diagnosis; viewers who relate are urged to seek a qualified mental health professional.