The DSM IV describes Avoidant Personality Disorder as a "pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four (or more) of the following:
- Avoids occupational activities that involve significant interpersonal contact, because of fears of criticism, disapproval, or rejection
- Is unwilling to get involved with people unless certain of being liked
- Shows restraint initiating intimate relationships because of the fear of being ashamed, ridiculed, or rejected due to severe low self-worth.
- Is preoccupied with being criticized or rejected in social situations
- Is inhibited in new interpersonal situations because of feelings of inadequacy
- Views self as socially inept, personally unappealing, or inferior to others
- Is unusually reluctant to take personal risks or to engage in any new activities because they may prove embarrassing
Causes of Avoidant Personality Disorder
The causes for personality disorders are not known. The development of Avoidant Personality Disorder may be influenced by a combination of social, genetic, and psychological factors. This particular personality disorder may be particularly influenced by inherited temperamental factors, especially those related to anxiety, which include shyness, fearfulness and withdrawing in new situations.
Individuals with Avoidant Personality Disorder may also have experienced repeated parental or societal criticism or rejection while growing up which results in avoidant behavior and defensiveness in order to protect themselves from further abuse.