The following is a case example of a person suffering from Avoidant Personality Disorder. 
 
Sally, a 35 year old computer engineer, lived a relatively isolated life and had few acquaintances and no close personal friends. From childhood on, she has been very and had withdrawn from close ties with others to keep from being hurt or criticized. Two years before she had to go for an office party that was organised to celebrate the completion of a project. The moment she arrived at the party, she felt extremely uncomfortable because she felt she had not been dressed properly. She left suddenly and would not pick anybody’s call. During a therapy, after she developed trust, she disclosed that she had a tough childhood due to her alcoholic father’s obnoxious behavior in public. Although she had tried to keep her school friends from knowing about her family problems, when this had become impossible, she instead had limited her friendships thus protecting herself from possible embarrassment or criticism. 
 
There are a significant number of people who suffer from the personality disorder called Avoidant personality disorder. This disorder is sometimes mistaken for Social Anxiety Disorder or Social Phobia. The difference between an anxiety disorder or social phobia and Avoidant personality disorder has to do with the nature of personality disorders. A personality disorder is a lifelong pattern of behaviour that causes problems with work and personal relationships. The fact that this is a lifelong pattern of behaviour makes treatment difficult. People with avoidant personality disorder experience long-standing feelings of inadequacy and are extremely sensitive to what others think about them. These feelings of inadequacy lead to the person to be socially inhibited and feel socially inept. Because of these feelings of inadequacy and inhibition, the person with avoidant personality disorder will seek to avoid work and any activities that involve socializing or interacting with others. 
 
Features of Avoidant Personality Disorder. 
 
Show extreme sensitivity to rejection and may lead a socially withdrawn life. Usually, they are preoccupied with being criticized or rejected in social situations. 
Show a great desire for companionship, but they need unusually strong guarantees of uncritical acceptance. 
Having an inferiority complex. 
Desire the warmth and security of human companionship but justify their avoidance of relationships by their alleged fear of rejection. 
They are apt to misinterpret other persons' comments as derogatory or ridiculing. 
The refusal of any request leads them to withdraw from others and to feel hurt. 
Social phobia with enormous anxiety about being around other people. 
 

Do not assume that you or someone you know suffers through this disorder, it’s best to seek help of a professional. 

Treatment. 
 
A Psychiatrist can make an assessment and help the individual understand whether he suffers from Avoidant personality disorder. A Counsellor can help the individual to be assertive as it is something which can also be helpful for these individuals. Counselling will also focus on helping the individuals to get an understanding of the social skills necessary to function in society. Psychiatrist’s help has been used to manage anxiety and depression when they are associated with this disorder. Counselling would provide supportive help. 

If you would like to discuss this further or need some help or support in this or any other area, our counsellors would be happy to help. 
 
Online Counselling 
Place an online request for an Appointment 

Call 1800-258-8999 / 1800-258-8121