Personality disorders can be incredibly complex to treat. Among personality disorders, avoidant personality disorder can be one of the most distressing and negatively impactful to quality of life. What are the 7 traits of avoidant personality disorder, and how can someone with this disorder distinguish between regular shyness and AVPD? Here are some signs to look out for.
What Are the 7 Traits of Avoidant Personality Disorder According to DSM-5?
Like other personality and mental health disorders, diagnosing AVPD is based on several characteristics from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). These 7 traits are used to determine if someone meets the criteria for AVPD.
1. Avoidance of Social Activities
Avoiding social activities is perhaps one of the most confusing and general symptoms of AVPD. Of all traits of avoidant personality disorder, this trait is the one that is most often confused with social anxiety disorder, or SAD.
However, there is a key difference between SAD and AVPD avoidance. According to the DSM-5, people with AVPD might avoid social, interpersonal, and work activities that involve frequent contact due to:
- Underlying fear of criticism
- Fear of disapproval
- Fear of rejection
On the other hand, people with SAD might not necessarily have these underlying fears but rather have more pronounced anxiety.
2. Avoidance of Relationships Without Certainty of Reciprocation
Nothing is guaranteed when it comes to love and relationships. Unfortunately, this truth might be too much to handle for people with AVPD.
One of the traits of AVPD is the unwillingness to become involved with new relationships unless someone is certain that their partner will like them. While it’s not a bad idea to ensure someone is compatible before investing time and emotions, some people with AVPD take this to an extreme. They might avoid relationships altogether because they fear being rejected or not living up to their partner’s expectations.
3. Avoiding Romantic Relationships Due to Fear of Being Ridiculed
People with AVPD might also avoid romantic relationships entirely due to a fear of being ridiculed. This can be tied in with the previous trait, as they might believe that their partner will eventually see them for who they “truly are” and reject them. This fear of rejection often stems from feeling inadequate as partners and as people.
4. Preoccupation with Criticism and Rejection
We all feel, at some point or another, a fear of being criticized harshly or rejected. Whether it’s from a job, school, or a relationship, we all want to be accepted. However, for people with AVPD, this fear can become overwhelming and all-consuming.
They might constantly worry about how others perceive them and try to avoid any potential criticism or rejection at all costs. Instead of learning how to cope with these inevitable parts of life, they push people away and isolate themselves to avoid facing their fears.
5. Avoiding Social Contact due to Feelings of Inadequacy
What do the 7 traits of AVPD have in common? They all stem from feelings of inadequacy. This is a core characteristic of AVPD, where individuals feel that they are inherently flawed and will never measure up to others’ expectations.
This can lead to avoiding any type of social contact, including friendships, romantic relationships, and even casual interactions with acquaintances or strangers. It’s not uncommon for someone with AVPD to limit their social circle to only a handful of people and avoid new social situations altogether because of these intense feelings of being inadequate.
6. Low Self-Esteem
Similarly, one of the strongest characteristics of AVPD is having low self-confidence due to feeling inferior or being unappealing to others. Low self-esteem can also be a symptom of other disorders including depression and anxiety. Because of this, it’s important for people to get help from a mental health professional to determine if they have AVPD or any other underlying disorders that may be contributing to their low self-esteem.
7. Fear of Embarrassment or Failure
Like other traits of AVPD, a fear of embarrassment or failure is rooted in feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. This fear often leads to extreme perfectionism, which is common in Cluster C personality disorders.
People with AVPD may have an intense fear of making mistakes or looking foolish in front of others, which can lead to avoiding any situation where they might be judged or evaluated. This reluctance to take risks or try new things can be limiting and may prevent individuals from reaching their full potential.
Discover Your Inner Power and Gain Confidence Today
No one knows what causes AVPD, but one thing is certain. These 7 traits of AVPD can severely impact daily life and limit your potential. The good news is that AVPD can be treated through mental health counseling, medications, and other therapies. At Elevation Behavioral Health, our mental health treatment in Agoura Hills, CA, is designed to help you heal no matter how severe your symptoms may be.
Our compassionate, professional staff specializes in treating personality disorders and can help you uncover the root causes of your AVPD. We offer a variety of treatment methods to help you build self-confidence and overcome the challenges associated with AVPD. From CBT to DBT, group therapy, neurofeedback, and evidence-based treatment, we have everything you need to break free from the shackles of AVPD and discover your inner power. Don’t let AVPD hold you back any longer. Contact us today and begin your journey toward healing and self-discovery today at Elevation Behavioral Health.
