Avoidant Personality Disorder Treatment

What Is Avoidant Personality Disorder?

If you experience persistent low self-esteem, have an intense fear of rejection, and regularly avoid social situations to avoid those feelings, you may have avoidant personality disorder. Specialized avoidant personality disorder treatment combines talk therapy and personalized medications to meet your unique needs.

Who Is Affected by Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD)?

AVPD usually begins in late adolescence or early adulthood. It is more likely to affect people with one or more of the following mental health conditions:

• Major depressive disorder.
• Persistent depressive disorder.
• Social anxiety disorder.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Panic disorder.
• Anorexia nervosa.
• Binge eating disorder.

Symptoms of Avoidant Personality Disorder

Signs and behaviors of AVPD often include:

• Having low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy.
• Being overly worried about criticism or disapproval.
• Reluctance to connect with others (unless they’re sure they’ll be liked).
• Extreme anxiety in social situations.
• Shyness and self-consciousness due to fear of embarrassment.
• Overreacting to problems.
• Misinterpreting feedback as negative.
• Avoiding new experiences and taking risks.

What Causes Avoidant Personality Disorder?

The exact cause of AVPD remains unknown. However, researchers believe it develops because of several factors, including:

• Genetics
  Genetic studies involving twins suggest a potential connection between genetics and AVPD, however the specific genes have not been identified.
• Temperament during infancy
  Those displaying rigidity, hypersensitivity, excessive fear, and distress have a higher risk of developing AVPD.
• Fearful attachment style
  If you have a fearful attachment style, you have a higher risk of developing AVPD. This attachment style means you have a desire for closeness with others but have a distrust in them and a fear of rejection.
• Early childhood environment
  Experiencing rejection and being treated differently may contribute to AVPD.

Diagnostic Criteria and Testing for AVPD

AVPD Diagnostic Criteria

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the criteria for AVPD involve a persistent pattern of at least four of the following behaviors:

• Avoiding job-related activities that include working with others because they fear criticism and rejection.
• Being unwilling to get involved with others unless they’re sure others will like them.
• Being passive or reserved in close relationships because they fear ridicule or humiliation.
• Extreme worry about others criticizing or rejecting them in regular social situations.
• Feeling self-conscious in new social situations because they feel inadequate.
• Assessing themselves as socially unskilled, unappealing, or inferior to others.
• Being reluctant to take personal risks or try new activities because they may feel embarrassed.

Common AVPD Tests and Assessments

A licensed clinician or psychiatric provider at Beach House Center for Recovery can perform the following avoidant personality disorder tests to help diagnose it:

• Structured Clinical Interview
  A structured or semi-structured interview to gather detailed information about your history, including behaviors and symptoms.
• Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS)
  A scale that measures the severity of social anxiety symptoms, which often overlap with AVPD.
• Self-Report Questionnaires

Several self-report questionnaires can help screen for avoidant personality disorder. They often include questions to assess social avoidance, fear of criticism, and feelings of inadequacy.

Treatment Options for AVPD

Psychotherapy for AVPD

The primary treatment for avoidant personality disorder is talk therapy or psychotherapy. This approach helps replace critical thoughts and unhelpful responses with more balanced and healthy ones. Individual therapy sessions may help reduce anxiety, allowing you to connect more easily with others.

Medication for AVPD

There are no specific medications to treat avoidant personality disorder. However, medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers can help manage symptoms. Your Beach House Center for Recovery clinician will prescribe medicines based on your unique needs, symptoms, and severity.

Group Therapy for AVPD

Supportive group sessions, guided by an avoidant personality disorder specialist, can help you interact in a safe space, build effective coping skills, and learn from others facing similar challenges.

Lifestyle Modifications and Coping Strategies

Lifestyle modifications

• Maintain a consistent daily schedule to lower stress.
• Incorporate regular exercise and healthy foods to support physical well-being.
• Get plenty of restorative sleep and practice mindfulness (e.g., yoga, meditation, and deep breathing) to support emotional and mental well-being.
• Challenge yourself each day by engaging with others in small doses.
• Give yourself positive affirmations each day.

Coping strategies

• Practice small talk and active listening with trusted friends and family.
• Track emotions, thoughts, and progress in a journal to help identify triggers and improvements.
• Join support groups to connect with others, gain encouragement, and share coping strategies.
• Slowly increase social interactions to build confidence.

When to Contact an Avoidant Personality Disorder Specialist

If you or your loved one is experiencing symptoms of AVPD that impact your functioning and quality of life, talk to a licensed therapist at Beach House Center for Recovery today. We can help you learn to manage and cope with feelings of intense social anxiety, low self-esteem, and sensitivity to criticism. We can also help improve your relationship-building skills and help you embrace new experiences rather than avoid them.

Get Personalized AVPD Treatment at Beach House Center for Recovery

We provide compassionate, integrated mental health and substance use disorder treatment in Florida to ensure you get the exact care you need.

Our skilled team is ready to help you manage your personality disorder symptoms and support any co-occurring conditions. Contact our caring admissions counselors for more information and to start your recovery journey.