Avoidant personality disorder is characterised by a pervasive pattern of avoidance and restriction in social relationships due to an intense sense of shyness, fear of rejection and low self-esteem. It occurs in 2-3% of the general population, more often in women than in men.
The cause is unknown, however it is believed that genetic and environmental factors may contribute to its development.
Symptoms include strong anxiety in social situations, difficulty in establishing intimate personal relationships, feelings of inferiority, fear of ridicule or humiliation, and a tendency to avoid activities involving contact with strangers.
Diagnosis is based on the DMS-5 which establishes specific criteria for the diagnosis of this disorder which include a pervasive pattern of social avoidance, associated significant distress and the presence of symptoms that interfere with social and occupational functioning.
Treatment is psychotherapy and in some cases medication such as antidepressants or anxiolytics to treat associated symptoms such as anxiety or depression.
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), Washington, DC 2022.
- Weinbrecht, A., Schulze, L., Boettcher, J. et al. Avoidant Personality Disorder: a Current Review. Curr Psychiatry Rep 18, 29 (2016).
- Ingrid Olssøn, Alv A. Dahl, Avoidant personality problems—their association with somatic and mental health, lifestyle, and social network. A community-based study, Comprehensive Psychiatry, Volume 53, Issue 6, 2012.
