Not Just Shyness: Avoidant Personality Disorder
Have you ever known someone who is so utterly shy, they can barely speak to others? When they do speak up, it may be quiet, low and barely above a whisper.While many people are prone to shyness and a reluctance to jump into new social extremes, that quiet person who always sits alone could very well be suffering from Avoidant Personality Disorder.
This disorder is a manifestation of a person's feeling that they are simply not good enough.They harbour a deep fear of rejection and being unwanted, and tend to be sensitive to any type of criticism.
Men and women alike are subject to Avoidant Personality Disorder, which can often lead to alcohol or drug abuse.These people cannot overcome what they perceive as their own shortcomings or imperfections.
Avoidant Personality Disorder leaves people very guarded and unable to fully express or involve themselves emotionally out of a fear of hurt or rejection.They are unable to open up to others, to the point that they feel being alone is safer than the possibility of being hurt by others.This type of emotional seclusion can also lead to mood disorders such as depression or anxiety.
While this type of person may appear to others as shy or sometimes even snobbish, they are in fact exhibiting extremely guarded behaviour in an attempt at self-preservation.
Some common symptoms of Avoidant Personality Disorder include:
- A person who is sensitive and readily hurt by critiques or disapproval.This person is often regarded as taking things too personally, even in job or work situations.
- A person who is emotionally guarded and often maintains distance in relationships.
- A person who is hesitant and disinclined to socialize or become involved with others.This may include sitting or eating alone, even in workplace cafeterias where the person is familiar with the people around them.
- A person may avoid entering jobs or situations that involve contact or socializing with others.
- A person who is extremely shy, out of a fear they may do or say something wrong.
- A person may feel they are socially inadequate, not as good as those around them, unworthy or unattractive and unlikeable.
While Avoidant Personality Disorder varies in its severity, it can lead to total isolation and self-imposed alienation from others.It can also be treated and the symptoms lessened.Some medications, such as anti-depressants have shown improvement in the symptoms, but the best form of treatment is psychotherapy (talk therapy) along with teaching the person to understand what they are feeling as well as better interpret the actions of others.