Avoidant personality disorder (APD) is one of the three personality disorders in which fear and anxiety are prominent symptoms. People with APD are reluctant to take chances; they feel inadequate in a wide variety of situations, most strikingly in social situations. They are extremely sensitive to any criticism, and avoid situations, both social and occupational, in which evaluations would be expected. Avoiding criticism often involves doing nothing at all lest it be criticized. The person with APD views himself or herself as inept and unappealing, so criticism brings about shame and embarrassment, rather than anger and counterattack. The beginnings of APD are usually visible early in life in the form of shyness, but relatively few shy people develop APD. Those who do may become less shy with age, and the characteristics of APD are more amenable to improvement through therapy than are those of disorders like schizotypal personality, schizoid personality, or antisocial personality. You can join a group who have or have had APD at this web site.

                                                                                                                                Last updated  12/19/03