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Alternative names
Personality disorder - avoidantDefinition Return to top
Avoidant personality disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by a lifelong pattern of extreme shyness, feelings of inadequacy, and sensitivity to rejection.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Personality disorders are lifelong patterns of behavior that cause problems with work and relationships. The cause of avoidant personality disorder is unknown.
Symptoms Return to top
People with avoidant personality disorder form relationships with others only if they believe they will not be rejected. They are preoccupied with their own shortcomings. Loss and rejection are so painful that these individuals will choose loneliness rather than risk trying to connect with others.
Signs and tests Return to top
Some common signs of avoidant personality disorder include:
Treatment Return to top
Antidepressant medications can often reduce sensitivity to rejection. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive/behavioral approaches, may be helpful. A combination of medication and talk therapy may be more effective than either treatment alone.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
People with this disorder may have some ability to relate to others, and this can be improved with treatment.
Complications Return to top
Without treatment, a person with avoidant personality disorder may become resigned to a life of near or total isolation.
Calling your health care provider Return to top
See your health care provider or a psychiatrist if shyness or fear of rejection overwhelms your ability to function in life and relationships.
Update Date: 2/1/2003 Updated by: David Taylor, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |