Due to their anxiety about being rejected and criticised by others, people with avoidant personality disorder stay away from social interactions. However, because most sufferers of this illness desire closer relationships, they can be more receptive to psychotherapy’s efforts. Consult with the best Clinical Psychologist to know more about this disorder.
What is Avoidant Personality Disorder?
One of the diseases classified as a personality disorder is an avoidant personality disorder. In general, these illnesses are long-lasting patterns of conduct that defy cultural expectations and hurt the sufferer and those around them. Other personality disorders characterised by trepidation and apprehension are associated with an avoidant personality disorder. People who suffer from avoidant personality disorder frequently feel inadequate and are extremely sensitive to criticism from others. Despite wanting to socialise, they tend to stay away from it since they are so afraid of being rejected by others.
How common is it?
About 2.4% of Americans are thought to have an avoidant personality disorder. Both men and women seem to be equally impacted. The signs of avoidant personality disorder, like those of other personality disorders, may be seen in childhood and frequently start to cause problems in adolescence or the early stages of adulthood. Like many other personality disorders, an avoidant personality disorder is typically not diagnosed in individuals under the age of 18, as there must be evidence that certain behavioural patterns are persistent and rigid and do not easily change over time.
Also check about – Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Causes
It is unknown what specifically causes avoidant personality disorder. But it’s thought that both genetics and the environment matter. Although this has not yet been established, it is thought that avoidant personality disorder may run in families through genes. Environmental influences do have a significant impact, especially on youth. In early children, shyness is frequently typical; however, in those with avoidant personality disorder, shyness persists throughout adolescence and adulthood. People who have the illness frequently talk about having been rejected by parents or peers in the past, which can affect one’s sense of value and self-worth. Connect with the Best clinical psychologist near me if you facing such symptoms.
Symptoms
Because of their extreme fear of rejection, those who suffer from this disease prefer isolation over the possibility of being rejected in a romantic relationship. People with this disease might exhibit mild to severe behavioural patterns. People who have this disease frequently also have the following characteristics in addition to their dread of rejection and humiliation:
- Overly sensitive, they take criticism or disapproval very personally.
- They are hesitant to get engaged with others unless they are convinced, they will be liked and have few if any, close friends.
- They have extremely high levels of social anxiety (nervousness) and fear, which makes them shun professions or hobbies that require them to interact with people.
- In social settings, they frequently exhibit shyness, awkwardness, and self-consciousness out of fear of appearing foolish or embarrassing.
- They frequently overstate possible issues.
- They seldom ever take risks or try anything new.
- They have a negative self-perception and believe they are inadequate and inferior.
Diagnosis
A healthcare professional will first conduct a thorough medical history and physical examination if symptoms are evident before beginning an evaluation. The doctor may employ a variety of diagnostic tests to rule out physical sickness as the source of the symptoms, even though there are no laboratory tests particularly for diagnosing personality disorders.
The healthcare practitioner may recommend the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist, medical professionals with specialised training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental diseases, if they discover no physical cause for the symptoms. To test a person for a personality disorder like avoidant personality disorder, psychiatrists and psychologists use specially created interview and assessment methods.
Treatment
Treatment for personality disorders is challenging because those who suffer from them have ingrained thought processes and behaviour patterns that have been present for a long time. However, because their disease causes them a lot of grief and the majority of them want to form relationships, people with avoidant personality disorder typically make effective treatment candidates. People with an avoidant personality disorder may be motivated to adhere to their treatment regimens by this desire.
The primary form of treatment for avoidant personality disorder, like for other personality disorders, is psychotherapy. Individual counselling that focuses on altering a person’s behaviour and thinking is known as psychotherapy (behavioural therapy). In therapy, the patient will likely work on conquering phobias, altering cognitive patterns and behaviours, and improving social coping skills. People with this disease may benefit from using the medication, such as an antidepressant or anti-anxiety pill, to help manage their anxiety. However, pharmacological therapy should be used in conjunction with psychotherapy for the best outcomes. The best results in treating patients with this disease come from family involvement and support.
Also check about – Top 13 Steps for Overcoming Phobia
Complications
Without therapy, a person with this illness may become socially isolated and experience long-term problems with their ability to work and interact with others. They run a higher risk of developing depression and abusing drugs.
Prevention
Even though this illness may not be preventable, it may be beneficial to start treating patients as soon as they start exhibiting symptoms.
Outlook
Treatment for avoidant personality disorder takes time, just like for other personality disorders. The likelihood of treatment success and, consequently, the outlook, can be significantly influenced by the patient’s willingness to seek and adhere to treatment. Some sufferers of avoidant personality disorder can improve their interpersonal relationships with the help of treatment. Feel free to consult the best Clinical Psychologist and take help from him.
September 27, 2022
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