Avoidant personality disorder (avpd)
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Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by the avoidance of social situations or interactions that involve risk of rejection, criticism, or humiliation. Diagnosis is by clinical criteria. Treatment is with psychotherapy, anxiolytics, and antidepressants.
(See also Overview of Personality Disorders.)
People with avoidant personality disorder have intense feelings of inadequacy and cope maladaptively by avoiding any situations in which they may be evaluated negatively.
Reported prevalence of avoidant personality disorder in the US varies, but estimated prevalence is about 2.4%. Avoidant personality disorder affects women and men equally.
Comorbidities are common. Patients often also have major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or an anxiety disorder (eg, panic disorder, particularly social phobia [social anxiety disorder]). They may also have another personality disorder (eg, dependent, borderline). Patients with social phobia and avoidant personality disorder have more severe symptoms and disability than those with either disorder alone.Avoidant personality disorder (avpd) meaning & definition 1 of Avoidant personality disorder (avpd).