Your personality is your unique way of thinking, understanding, reacting, and relating to people.
A personality disorder Overview of Personality Disorders Your personality is your unique way of thinking, understanding, reacting, and relating to people. Many people might seem to have an unusual personality. But they're considered to have a personality... read more isn't just an unusual personality. It's when personality traits cause significant problems in your life or keep you from relating normally to others.
What is avoidant personality disorder?
Avoidant personality disorder is:
A pattern of avoiding people and social situations out of fear of being rejected or criticized
People with avoidant personality disorder:
Have low self-esteem and are very sensitive to criticism
Want friends but have trouble making them
Avoid social situations because they're embarrassed or fearful or being made fun of
Avoid interacting with new people or taking on new responsibility at work
Tend to be quiet and shy because they're worried they'll say the wrong thing
See themselves as unworthy and assume other people disapprove of them
Don't want to try new activities or take risks
Lots of people are a little anxious in social situations or when meeting new people. And no one enjoys being criticized. But these kinds of feelings can become a disorder if they keep people from succeeding at work or enjoying a normal life, or if people become preoccupied with their difficulties.
Avoidant personality disorder is more common in women. People with the disorder often also have depression Depression Depression is feeling too sad or sluggish to do your daily tasks or take part in activities you usually enjoy. It’s normal to feel sad after something sad happens, such as a death or loss—depression... read more , obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Obsessions are things you just can't stop thinking about, even if you want to. They could be worries, ideas, images, or urges to do something. Having an obsession usually makes you anxious and... read more , anxiety Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Anxiety is being worried or nervous. Anxiety is often normal. For example, many people are anxious when they're having money problems, trouble at work, or family difficulties. However, if you're... read more , or another personality disorder.
What causes avoidant personality disorder?
Avoidant personality disorder is probably caused by both:
Your genes (the genetic information passed to you from your parents)
Your experiences and upbringing
How do doctors treat avoidant personality disorder?
Doctors treat avoidant personality disorder with:
Counseling or talk therapy that focuses on social skills
Sometimes, other types of therapy
Medicine for any anxiety and depression