Avoidant personality disorder
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Avoidant Personality Disorder (APD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. The term is pronounced as /əˈvɔɪdənt pərˈsɒnælɪti dɪsˈɔːdər/.
Etymology
The term "Avoidant" is derived from the English word "avoid", which means to keep away from or stop oneself from doing something. The term "Personality Disorder" is derived from the Latin word "persona" meaning "mask" and the Greek word "disorder" meaning "disarranged".
Symptoms
People with Avoidant Personality Disorder often view themselves as socially inept and personally unappealing. They tend to avoid social interactions due to fear of criticism, disapproval, or rejection. Symptoms include:
- Social inhibition
- Feelings of inadequacy
- Hypersensitivity to negative evaluation
- Avoidance of social interaction
- Fear of criticism or rejection
- Low self-esteem
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Avoidant Personality Disorder is typically made by a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. It is based on a thorough clinical interview and a variety of psychological testing methods.
Treatment
Treatment for Avoidant Personality Disorder often involves psychotherapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy. Medication may also be used to help manage symptoms, particularly if the individual also suffers from a co-occurring disorder such as depression or anxiety.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Avoidant personality disorder
- Wikipedia's article - Avoidant personality disorder
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