Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD) is characterized by pervasive social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. Individuals with AvPD long for connection yet often avoid social or occupational settings due to fear of rejection, embarrassment, or criticism. This leads to chronic loneliness, low self-esteem, and functional impairment. While AvPD shares features with Social Anxiety Disorder, it reflects a broader and more enduring pattern of interpersonal avoidance and self-concept disturbance. Effective treatment emphasizes gradual exposure, cognitive restructuring, self-compassion development, and relational safety within the therapeutic alliance.
