Avoidant personality disorder
Definition
Avoidant personality disorder is a psychiatric condition in which a person has a lifelong pattern of feeling extremely shy, inadequate, and sensitive to rejection.
Causes
Personality disorders are lifelong patterns of behavior that cause problems with work and relationships.
About 1% of the population has avoidant personality disorder. It is equally divided between males and females. The cause is unknown.
Symptoms
People with avoidant personality disorder are preoccupied with their own shortcomings. They form relationships with others only if they believe they will not be rejected. Loss and rejection are so painful that these people will choose to be lonely rather than risk trying to connect with others.
Treatment
Antidepressant medications can often reduce sensitivity to rejection. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral approaches, may be helpful. A combination of medication and talk therapy may be more effective than either treatment alone.
Prognosis
People with this disorder may develop some ability to relate to others, and this can be improved with treatment.