Latest News

A person who is socially challenged and hypersensitive to rejection, followed by frequent feelings of inadequacy could be suffering from a mental illness known as an avoidant personality disorder(AVPD).

Someone who feels awkward or hypersensitive when rejected may have a mental illness known as an avoidant personality disorder (AVPD).

Avoidant Personality Disorder

There is really no one who likes criticism, rejection or being embarrassed, but often times people spend too much time trying to avoid all these.

A person who is socially challenged and hypersensitive to rejection, followed by frequent feelings of inadequacy could suffer from a mental illness known as an avoidant personality disorder(AVPD).

An avoidant personality disorder patient might become uncomfortable in social situations. They spend a lot of time thinking about their weaknesses and are particularly reluctant to build connections in case they are rejected.

This usually leads to feelings of isolation and disengagement from social interactions at work and elsewhere.

Additionally, those who have AVPD may reject a promotion, give excuses for missing meetings, or be too afraid to participate in activities where they might meet new people.

READ ALSO:

• Types Of Mental Health Professionals You Should Know
• Which Phobia Is Classified As A Mental Health Disorder.
• Your Mental Health And Pregnancy And How To Cope
• Proven And Successful Treatments For Addiction

 

Causes of Avoidant Personality Disorder

Although the exact origin of avoidance personality disorder has not been identified, researchers think that genetic and environmental variables may play a role.

Neglect in childhood and early traumatic experiences may contribute to the development of AVPD. According to research, kids who didn’t get much love and support from their caregivers may be more vulnerable.

The same holds true for children who encounter abuse, neglect, or generally less attentive care. As a coping mechanism for these events, kids may avoid social interaction with others.

Symptoms of Avoidant Personality Disorder 

AVPD symptoms are classified into three major components:

• Social inhibition
• Feelings of inadequacy
• Sensitivity to criticism or rejection

By the time they reach early adulthood, a person must have gone through these stages in order to be diagnosed. Additionally, they need to show at least four of the following AVPD symptoms:

• avoiding interpersonally-focused tasks at work out of fear of being criticized or rejected
• refusal to engage with people unless they are certain they will receive a favourable answer
• hesitation in personal connections because of shame-related anxiety
• concern for criticism in social settings
• being self-conscious and hesitant in unfamiliar social circumstances
• Self-perception of incompetence, unattractiveness, and inferiority
• unwillingness to take chances or participate in activities that could disgrace one

A psychological assessment by a mental health expert will be necessary for a diagnosis. This assessment will also identify whether a person has more than one diagnosis or rule out any more potential diagnoses.

Treatment for Avoidant Personality Disorder

People with an avoidant personality disorder would go to therapy in order to improve their relationships and lessen the stress they experience at work or in public.

Due to the fact that many symptoms of personality disorders have been present in a person for a long time, treatment might be challenging.

The main form of treatment for avoidant personality disorder is psychotherapy or talk therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which aims to lessen unfavourable thought patterns and improve social abilities, may be one of these.

Group therapy is occasionally used to support those facing comparable issues and to provide a secure setting for fostering lasting relationships.

The disease can also be better understood by family members through family therapy, which can also create a supportive environment that encourages growth and healthy risk-taking.

READ ALSO:

• Coping With Trauma In A Mental Health Facility
• 5 Signs To Know Your Child’s Mental Health Is Okay
• Mental Health Quotes To Get Men Inspired
• Attention Deficit Disorder: Everything You Need to Know

Getting Help for Avoidant Personality Disorder

It’s important to remember that you are not alone if you feel socially awkward and think that you may have an avoidant personality disorder.

Reaching out to your doctor or another mental health expert who can evaluate your situation is the first step toward receiving support. The signs and symptoms of AVPD can be improved with efficient therapy.

You can explore the anxiety issues you experience in social situations and your fear of rejection or criticism with the assistance of therapy in a supportive and safe setting.

Together with your therapist, you can practice overcoming limiting beliefs and investigate the simple yet impactful actions you can take to forge lasting bonds with friends, become more involved at work, and form close connections with others.