Avoidant Personality Disorder
Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD) is a personality disorder. It is marked by social isolation, fear of criticism, extreme shyness, and an inferiority complex. It is defined by The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5. The DSM-5 is published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Avoidant personality disorder has been defined with these criteria. At least five out of seven are required for diagnosis.
- Avoids occupational activities involving significant interpersonal contact, due to fears of criticism, disapproval, or rejection
- Is unwilling to get involved with people unless certain of acceptance
- Shows restraint within intimate relationships due to fears of shame or ridicule
- Preoccupied with fears of receiving criticism or rejection in social situations
- Inhibited in new interpersonal situations due to feelings of inadequacy
- Considers self as inferior to others, socially inept, or personally unappealing
- Is unusually reluctant to take personal risks or to engage in any new activities because they may prove embarrassing
DSM-5 indicates that the annual prevalence of Avoidant Personality Disorder is around 2.4%.
Sources & Resources
General
Journal Articles
- Hofvander, B., Delorme, R., Chaste, P., Nydén, A., Wentz, E., Ståhlberg, O., Herbrecht, E., Stopin, A., Anckarsäter, H., Gillberg, C. and Råstam, M. (2009). Psychiatric and psychosocial problems in adults with normal-intelligence autism spectrum disorders. BMC psychiatry, 9(1), 35+.