Psychological Disorders: Avoidant Personality Disorder

American Description
A. A pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four (or more) of the following:

1. avoids occupational activities that involve significant interpersonal contact, because of fears of criticism, disapproval, or rejection

2. is unwilling to get involved with people unless certain of being liked

3. shows restraint within intimate relationships because of the fear of being shamed or ridiculed

4. is preoccupied with being criticized or rejected in social situations

5. is inhibited in new interpersonal situations because of feelings of inadequacy

6. views self as socially inept, personally unappealing, or inferior to others

7. is unusually reluctant to take personal risks or to engage in any new activities because they may prove embarrassing

European Description
Personality disorder characterized by at least 3 of the following:

(a) persistent and pervasive feelings of tension and apprehension;
(b) belief that one is socially inept, personally unappealing, or inferior to others;
(c) excessive preoccupation with being criticized or rejected in social situations;
(d) unwillingness to become involved with people unless certain of being liked;
(e) restrictions in lifestyle because of need to have physical security;
(f) avoidance of social or occupational activities that involve significant interpersonal contact because of fear of criticism, disapproval, or rejection.

Associated features may include hypersensitivity to rejection and criticism.