Avoiding work activities with substantial interpersonal contact because of fear of criticism, rejection or disapproval.
DSM-5-TR · Cluster C · personality disorder
Could I have avoidant personality disorder?
Avoidant personality disorder is characterised by persistent social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy and strong sensitivity to criticism or rejection. Having some of these traits does not mean that someone has a personality disorder: DSM-5-TR requires an enduring, pervasive and clinically significant pattern.
Cluster CAnxious, fearful or controlling/dependent patterns
4/7
DSM-5-TR
What are the DSM-5-TR features?
DSM-5-TR requires at least 4 of the 7 specific features, together with the general requirements for a personality disorder.
Specific criteria — paraphrased
Becoming involved with others only when reasonably certain of being liked.
Marked restraint in intimate relationships because of fear of humiliation or ridicule.
Strong preoccupation with being criticised or rejected in social situations.
Inhibition in new relationships because of feelings of inadequacy or inferiority.
Seeing oneself as socially incompetent, unappealing or inferior to others.
Strong reluctance to take personal risks or try new activities because of possible embarrassment.
Diagnostic reference: DSM-5-TR (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). The wording above is intentionally concise and paraphrased.
The specific criteria are not sufficient on their own
- The pattern is enduring, inflexible and present across different contexts — not only during a crisis or in one particular relationship.
- It causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.
- The pattern is stable over time and can be traced back at least to adolescence or early adulthood.
- It is not better explained by another mental disorder, a substance/medication effect or a medical condition.
Differential diagnosis
Avoidant personality disorder or social anxiety disorder?
The overlap can be substantial. Avoidant personality disorder generally involves a more pervasive and enduring pattern of avoidance and inadequacy. Social anxiety disorder may be more situation-specific, although the two conditions can also coexist.
Clinical assessment
How is the diagnosis made?
Diagnosis is not based on a checklist or a single questionnaire. It requires clinical interviewing, review of the person’s long-term pattern and functional impact across settings, and differential diagnosis. Personality questionnaires and tests can support that assessment.
The 10 specific DSM-5-TR personality disorders
Explore the other personality disorders
Personality disorders can share features and sometimes overlap, making differential diagnosis essential.
Are you wondering about your personality functioning?
An emotional and personality assessment can compare several hypotheses, clarify the overall pattern and avoid drawing conclusions from a few isolated traits.
