Avoidant Personality

Avoidant personality describes the patterns of withdrawal behaviors and increased sensitivity to criticism that is experienced by sufferers of avoidant personality disorder (AVPD). Sufferers of AVPD avoid social interactions to avoid these negative feelings and fears of rejection. They have a heightened sensitivity to the opinion and criticisms of others and may avoid social interactions and relationships as a result of this. They are socially withdrawn and less likely to participate in activities, take risks, or show initiative. This is due to a fear of failure, criticism, possible embarrassment, or rejection. Sufferers of AVPD typically have feelings of inadequacy. Note that everyone experiences some or all of these things sometimes and to some degree- this is normal. It is when these feelings and behaviors are extreme, pervasive, and disruptive to the person's life that it should be considered a problem.