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Avoidant Personality Disorder

Posted by Helping Psychology in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX on Apr 22, 2009

Less than 2 % of people in the USA are affected by Avoidant Personality. Frequent episodes of Flight of ideas, uncontrolable emotions, inability to function normally, and behavior problems can, but may not, affect these individuals ability to leave their homes without fear and avoid socializing with anyone besides close relatives.

These individuals usually are very shy around strangers, but once they get to know you you can't shut them up. They avoid any social interactions, including school functions like the prom and class parties, and if they are able to work will more likely than not avoid the office Christmas party. Please don't criticize them or reject them. You may never see them or hear from them again. They will, like a turtle, slip away into the darkness of the recesses of their protective cold exterior. The coolness and seeming uninterested exterior personality is really just a front to avoid showing just how bad they are hurting inside and just how sad and lonely they really feel. They desire interactions with others but doesn't seem to have the ability to form and/or keep interpersonal relationships. They want love, but doesn't know how to attract it or show it.

They feel unable to fullfill the smallest of tasks effectively due to their low profile of themselves. "Others can but I cannot" is their mantra. These individuals would probably work better alone or at home on the computer, anything that can keep them from interacting with others that demands them to come out of themselves and show just how beautiful they really are inside. They are far from insane but there are some who will think that their odd behavior means just that. Out of all of the personality disorders that does respond well to therapy and medication, Avoidant Personality Disorder seems to have one of the best outcomes for success as long as the person sticks with their program of treatment and works with the terapist to change their behavior, emotions, and thoughts..

Therapy can help Avoidant Persoanlity Disorder indiduals overcome their shyness and quirky ways, but because of their inability to communicate affectively they will decline any group therapy interaction if it is suggested by the therapists. One on one therapy accompanied by antidepressant medication as well as anti anxiety medications seems to work well for these indiduals, however medication alone is not encouraged. I believe they crave one on one interaction so badly that this may be why they respond so well to thereapy with medication better than just mediation alone. They may perceive the therapist as their only friend and confidant and the only person they can trust outside of close family