Avoidant Personality Disorder Diagnostic Features: Anxious (Avoidant) Personality Disorder is a condition characterized by extreme shyness, feelings of inadequacy, and sensitivity to rejection. These individuals feel inferior to others. This disorder is only diagnosed when these behaviors become persistent and very disabling or distressing. This diagnosis should be used with great caution in children and adolescents for whom shy and avoidant behavior may be appropriate (e.g., new immigrants).
Complications: Loss and rejection may be so painful that the individual with this disorder will choose loneliness rather than risk trying to connect with others. The individual with this disorder has few close friends, but often is very dependent on them. Individuals with this disorder are described by others as being "shy", "timid," "lonely," and "isolated". Their occupational functioning may also suffer because they avoid the social situations that are important for job advancement.
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