He avoidant personality disorder It prevents the normal development of the life of the sufferer. If it is detected, there is the possibility of treating it with the help of a psychologist, which is why at Psychology-Online we want to update you on this disorder so that you can learn to identify it and learn about its treatment.
Symptoms of avoidant personality disorder according to the DSM V
Pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation, beginning in early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, and manifested by four (or more) of the following:
- Avoid work activities that involve interpersonal contact significant for fear of criticism, disapproval or rejection.
- It shows unwilling to establish relationships with others unless you are sure of being appreciated.
- It shows withdrawn in relationships narrow because he fears being embarrassed or ridiculed.
- You worry about being criticized or rejected in social situations.
- He appears inhibited in new interpersonal situations due to the feeling of lack of adaptation.
- Sees himself as socially ineptwith little personal attractiveness or inferior to others.
- It shows extremely reluctant to take risks personal or to get involved in new activities because they may be embarrassing.
Do I have avoidant personality disorder?
If after reading the symptoms of avoidant personality disorder you have doubts about whether you have it, go to a qualified professional (psychologist or psychiatrist) for a correct evaluation and possible diagnosis and treatment.
Characteristics of avoidant personality disorder
People who have this disorder have the belief that others criticize and judge themfor this reason they avoid interacting, except with their closest family and some trusted person by whom they think they will not be rejected.
They fear being considered inferior to others and negatively evaluate any behavior towards them. For example, if they see someone smiling they think they are being laughed at or if they see several people talking they think they are speaking badly of him or her. The following article explains the .
Are distrustful for fear of being harmed. When they meet someone they probe them constantly looking for confirmation of their suspicions.
By avoiding relationships, your work activity is considerably affected.
Traits of avoidant personality disorder
According to , people with avoidant personality disorder present:
- High neuroticism
- Low extraversion
- High openness to experience
- Cordiality
- Conscientiousness
Difference between social phobia and avoidant personality disorder
The fundamental difference between those who suffer from and those who present the disorder in question is that the former are aware of the irrationality of their phobia but they cannot control it.
Those with avoidant personality disorder they do not realize or even deny that your fear is excessive. They think that they really are inferior people and that they do not deserve to be accepted or loved.
Causes of avoidant personality disorder
The causes of the disorder are not clearly defined, but they are continually associated with traumatic experiences rejection by their parents in childhood or adolescence, , and .
Furthermore, it is related to the anxietythe shynessthe low self-esteem and poor social skills.
Treatment of avoidant personality disorder
The recommended treatment for this disorder is . It is important to establish a trusting relationship with the therapist to obtain good results. It is possible to combine it with psychotropic drugs such as those used in social phobia.
How to treat avoidant personality disorder
Having little social contact, people with avoidant personality disorder can be intense for those in their circle of trust, so it is advisable set some limits and explain to them if necessary that we need time for ourselves. The following tips will be interesting to help a person with avoidant personality disorder:
- Understanding the disorder It’s going to be crucial in our relationship. We must keep in mind that it is not simply that they are shy or somewhat insecure, but that they have a really bad time.
- Suggest searching support groups and/or psychological therapy and participating in your treatment can be helpful.
- offer them plans to do together. Pleasant activities and your company will be beneficial.
- Comment your positive qualitiessince they have a negative view of themselves.
- Be patient and understand that it is not in your hands to change him but it is in your hands to help and support him in his process.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to Avoidant Personality Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Characteristics, and Treatmentwe recommend that you enter our category.
Bibliography
- American Psychiatric Association (2014). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Madrid: Panamericana Medical Editorial.