Avoidant Personality Disorder: When Fear of Rejection Shapes One’s Social World
AVPD is a long-standing pattern of extreme fear of rejection and social inhibition that leads people to avoid social situations and relationships. It differs from general social anxiety in its pervasiveness across most life areas, not just specific scenarios. Signs include deep self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy, and sensitivity to criticism, which reinforce avoidance. Causes likely involve a mix of low self-esteem, childhood experiences, and genetics. Treatment focuses on psychotherapy (such as CBT or psychodynamic therapy) to challenge negative beliefs, build self-esteem, and gradually reduce avoidance, with medications for anxiety or depression as needed.