People with avoidant personality disorder have low self-esteem and consequently have an intense fear of being judged or criticized by others. This fear makes them extremely uncomfortable in social situations and therefore they avoid social situations whenever possible. Avoidant personality disorder affects about two and a half percent of the population and it affects men and women equally. The cause of avoidant personality disorder is not known. Although everyone experiences rejection, criticism, and judgment at some point in her life, very few people develop avoidant personality disorder as a result of those experiences. As with many mental health issues, avoidant personality disorder is likely caused by a combination of genetic and social factors. It appears to run in families, for example, and the child of someone with avoidant personality disorder may develop the condition as well, although, like other personality disorders, avoidant personality disorder is only diagnosed in adults. Since internalized criticism is a major factor in avoidant personality disorder, one’s social environment, especially early in life, plays a big role. Incessant criticism by parents or teachers or repeated rejection by peers makes developing the condition more likely. The central characteristic of avoidant personality disorder is fear of rejection or humiliation. As with any condition, the symptoms of this condition can range from mild to extreme. Symptoms often include being overly sensitive and easily hurt by criticism; having few, if any, close friends; being reluctant to reach out unless they are certain of being liked; experiencing extreme anxiety in social situations, which may lead them to avoid activities or jobs that require social interaction; being shy, awkward, or self-conscious in social situations; exaggerating possible problems; being reluctant to try new things; and seeing themselves as inadequate or inferior to others. Avoidant personality disorder can cause significant damage to your life. Although people with the condition usually want close relationships, their anxiety prevents their reaching out. This leads to feelings of isolation and lack of social support. It also can severely impair your career, making you unwilling to fulfill responsibilities if they require social interaction. Avoidant personality disorder may also lead to substance use and addiction as a way of coping with social situations or with loneliness. Treating avoidant personality disorder is challenging for several reasons. First, people with avoidant personality disorder are not likely to seek out professional help. Not only does that require social interaction, but engaging in therapy requires trust and vulnerability. People with avoidant personality disorder don’t typically seek help until the condition has had a significant impact on their lives. Second, the habits and ways of thinking are typically deeply rooted in people with avoidant personality disorder. They may have been persisting in their negative self-image and avoidant patterns for decades, making change difficult. The good news is that avoidant personality disorder is treatable. People seeking treatment are typically highly motivated since avoidant personality disorder can have such a negative impact on one’s relationships, career, and life. The condition is typically treated with a combination of medication, such as SSRI antidepressants, and cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. Therapy usually focuses on overcoming fears by changing thinking patterns, examining faulty assumptions, and exposure to situations that have caused anxiety.
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