Avoidant personality disorder is considered a mental disorder, and is characterized by excessive anxiety, discomfort, and loneliness, with avoidance of social situations and fear of criticism or rejection, so follow us in this article to learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods, with a quick test that determines the severity of the degree of the disease. 

What is avoidant personality disorder?

It is considered a mental disorder, and affected individuals are always described as feeling excessive anxiety, discomfort, and loneliness, in addition to being always isolated from people and feeling rejected by others, in addition to an extreme fear of expressing an opinion in order to avoid being exposed to criticism or embarrassment from those present.  

Causes of avoidant personality disorder

• In the case of a young age, angry aggressive behavior may be one of the first causes.
• Genetic factor acquired from parents 
• Exposure to excessive anxiety or depression for a long period without stopping or solving the disturbing problems.
• Negative experiences in the early stages, such as: abuse, ridicule, bullying, or physical and sexual violence.
• Lack of self-confidence and fear of harsh criticism from attendees, especially in various social gatherings.
• Letdown by relatives, illness or death of a loved one.

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Symptoms of avoidant personality disorder 

Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by a group of symptoms that affect his behavior and societal relationships. These symptoms often appear in childhood and become more severe over time, leading to problems, including: التالي:

• Avoid social situations and gatherings for fear of embarrassment and lack of acceptance.
• Difficulty forming new friends or relationships.
• Fear and extreme anxiety of criticism or rejection from others.
• Avoid expressing opinions or feelings for fear of judgment from people around you.
• Feeling inferior and lacking in self-confidence because he has a negative image of himself.
• Feeling ashamed and embarrassed easily.
• Avoid making important decisions or doing something new.
• Social isolation and not sharing different situations with others, especially in the presence of a new individual.

Why choose Al Moosa Health Hospitals for treatment of avoidant personality disorder? 

The hospital is a leader in providing health care In Saudi Arabia Over the course of 29 years, because it has adopted the highest international standards by providing effective medical care using the latest technologies and innovations, it has become one of the best health facilities in terms of quality, safety, and patient satisfaction, in addition to being educationally accredited by the Saudi Commission for Medical Specialties.

What is the difference between ambivalent avoidant personality disorder and hypersensitive avoidant personality disorder?

To answer this question, you must know that each type has clear symptoms that distinguish it, and these symptoms are more evident in adult people because they have gone through many experiences of their personality more than when they were children. We will review a comparison table that explains this Symptoms of both:

Treatment methods Avoidant personality disorder

Until this moment, there is no specific treatment for the patient with the disorder. Rather, the patient gradually improves after using some medical, psychological, and pharmaceutical methods under specialized medical supervision, which is done through Al-Mousa Hospital, in accordance with the latest scientific and medical standards. Which include the following:

• Treating negative thinking that contributes to the disorder by changing thinking patterns.
• Providing a healthy social environment through those around him and the way they deal with him.
• Discovering the experiences and relationships that led to disorder and dealing with changing them. 
• Treatment with anxiety and depression medications to reduce the symptoms associated with the disorder.
• Improving social interaction through exercises in different social situations.
• Work to increase self-confidence.
• Reduce anxiety and stress by introducing daily exercise.

Avoidant personality disorder test in minutes

This test comes through ten questions developed by specialists from the American Psychiatric Association (APA), in order to initially diagnose whether or not they have avoidant personality disorder. These questions were as follows:

1. A lot of people tell me that I'm too hard on myself.
2. It is difficult for me to talk about my feelings with others for fear that they will make fun of them.
3. My biggest fear is feeling shame or being ridiculed in front of others.
4. Most of the time I get very annoyed by critical comments that don't seem to bother most people.
5. It's always difficult for me to try new things or take risks, for fear of embarrassing myself again.
6. I always withdraw from any romantic relationship, even though I want this form of affection.
7. Deep down, I wish I had more friends, but I find the idea of ​​opening myself up to new people very scary.
8. I always avoid public places and social gatherings for fear that someone present will criticize me.
9. People probably think I'm weird or stupid.
10. I always feel afraid to express my thoughts or object to someone within a group of people, for fear that others will make fun of them or criticize or ignore them.

In conclusion: At the end of each question, you will be answered with one of three answers (yes, no, to some extent). Psychological specialists will learn whether you suffer from the disorder and its degree of severity, but we recommend communicating with Al Mousa Health GroupTo take documented consultations, this is because it has the most prominent and best psychiatrists who work in accordance with the latest international standards. We await your contact to book your consultation. “Your health is important to us.”

الأسئلة الشائعة:

Are there complications of avoidant personality disorder?

Yes, there are complications, the most important of which are: exposure to other psychological illnesses, increased complexity in social relationships, and the more severe the illness becomes, the more severe it may lead to resorting to the use of mind-numbing substances such as drugs and alcohol.  

Are there types of avoidant personality disorders?

Yes, there are four subtypes of this disease, including: phobic, paradoxical, hypersensitive, and depressive.

Are there any contraindications for patients with avoidant personality disorder toward marriage?

Yes, because the sick person finds in himself insurmountable restrictions during an intimate relationship that make him feel afraid that he will be exposed or ridiculed by the other party.

Also know: Depression program In the psychiatry clinic at Al-Mousa Specialist Hospital