AVOIDANT PERSONALITY DISORDER

Diagnostic Features:

Anxious (Avoidant) Personality Disorder is a condition characterized by extreme shyness, feelings of inadequacy, and sensitivity to rejection. These individuals feel inferior to others. This disorder is only diagnosed when these behaviors become persistent and very disabling or distressing. This diagnosis should be used with great caution in children and adolescents for whom shy and avoidant behavior may be appropriate (e.g., new immigrants).

Complications:

Loss and rejection may be so painful that the individual with this disorder will choose loneliness rather than risk trying to connect with others. The individual with this disorder has few close friends, but often is very dependent on them. Individuals with this disorder are described by others as being "shy", "timid," "lonely," and "isolated". Their occupational functioning may also suffer because they avoid the social situations that are important for job advancement.

Comorbidity:

Mood and Anxiety Disorders (especially Social Phobia), and other Personality Disorders (especially Dependent, Borderline, Paranoid, Schizoid and Schizotypal) frequently co-occur with this disorder.

Associated Laboratory Findings:

No laboratory test has been found to be diagnostic of this disorder.

Prevalence:

The prevalence of Anxious (Avoidant) Personality Disorder is about 0.5% to 1% of the general population. It is seen in 10% of psychiatric outpatients.

Course:

The course of this disorder is chronic. This disorder is usually worse earlier in life and often improves in middle age. This avoidant behavior often starts in infancy or childhood with shyness, isolation, and fear of strangers and new situations. Unfortunately, for some, this avoidant behavior persists and intensifies into adulthood; thus they become diagnosed with this disorder. This disorder is equally frequent in males and females.