Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD)
Avoidant Personality Disorder involves pervasive social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD)
Avoidant Personality Disorder involves pervasive social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. Individuals desire close relationships but avoid them due to fear of rejection, criticism, or embarrassment. Unlike shyness, AvPD is more persistent, maladaptive, and significantly impacts social, academic, and occupational functioning. People with AvPD often experience loneliness, low self-esteem, and depressive symptoms as a result of chronic social withdrawal. In Saudi Arabia, cultural emphasis on family, social reputation, and conformity can intensify feelings of inadequacy and social anxiety, making avoidance more pronounced. Social expectations for marriage, career, and public presence may amplify stress for individuals with AvPD, potentially delaying help-seeking.
Symptoms and warning signs
- Avoidance of occupational or social activities involving significant interpersonal contact due to fear of criticism
- Reluctance to engage with others unless certain of being liked
- Preoccupation with being criticized or rejected
- Feelings of inadequacy, inferiority, or personal failure
- Social inhibition leading to isolation, despite a strong desire for connection
Causes and risk factors
- Genetic predisposition toward social anxiety and behavioral inhibition
- Early childhood experiences of rejection, criticism, or neglect
- Temperamental sensitivity to negative feedback
- Environmental reinforcement of avoidance behaviors
Treatment approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): structured exposure to feared social situations, cognitive restructuring
- Social skills training: improving assertiveness, confidence, and interpersonal functioning
- Group therapy: supportive environment to practice interaction, reduce isolation
- Pharmacotherapy: SSRIs or SNRIs for comorbid anxiety or depression
- Family psychoeducation: reducing criticism, encouraging safe social engagement
Why Act Center for Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia?
Our experienced Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) therapists in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia offer treatment to help patients overcome deep-seated social anxiety and build the confidence needed for relationships.
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