Avoidant Personality Disorder: Signs, Treatments, and Understanding

This is the first in a series on psychological disorders. I want to explore different disorders and the effects of the disorders on the person dealing with them and the effects of families that are dealing with disorders as an on-looker. Also I will delve into the "warning signs" and treatments available to treat the different disorders that I choose to discuss.

MentalHealthMatters.com people with Avoidant Personality Disorder will usually "enter into relationships where uncritical acceptance is almost guaranteed, undergo social withdrawal, suffer from low self-esteem, but have a great desire for affection and acceptance. However, they do not want the affection as much as they fear the rejection." So basically people with this personality disorder would rather be lied to about situations to avoid conflict, and their fear of rejection or being judged for whatever reason is just to much for them to handle at times.

The first disorder I want to cover is that of Avoidant Personality Disorder. I personally had never heard of this one before starting my research, but soon realized I know people that in some form or another definitely have this particular disorder.

Avoidant Personality Disorder is defined as a person who has extreme fears of being judged by anyone. Whether it be family, friends, co-workers, or complete strangers. According to

With Avoidant Personality Disorder according to MentalHealthMatters.com there is a list of characteristics of the disorder and someone that exhibits at least three (3) of these characteristics may in fact have Avoidant Personality Disorder. The characteristics that are listed on the site are as follows:

1. persistent and pervasive feelings of tension and apprehension; belief that one is socially inept, personally unappealing, or inferior to others;

2. excessive preoccupation with being criticized or rejected in social situations;

3. unwillingness to become involved with people unless certain of being liked;

4. restrictions in lifestyle because of need to have physical security; avoidance of social or occupational activities that involve significant interpersonal contact because of fear of criticism, disapproval, or rejection.

MentalHealthMatters.com also says that people with the disorder titled Avoidant Personality Disorder will have other characteristics as well that may be considered as "hypersensitivity to rejection and criticism."

According to PsychCentral.com treatments for Avoidant Personality Disorder are psychotherapy, medication, and self-help. When dealing with psychotherapy PsychCentral.com says that people with Avoidant Personality Disorder may have a harder time dealing with group therapy in the beginning of treatment, however after some time in one on one therapy may find it easier to deal with the group and the discussions with other sufferers of the disorder. Psychotherapy sessions will target what the underlying problem is that causing a particular person to have the disorder to begin with, which usually revolves around low self esteem. Finding a way in therapy to deal with self esteem issues will go a long way in treatment of Avoidant Personality Disorder. As far as medication for treatments go it is important that a patient follows the strict guidelines for any medications that maybe prescribed for them. These drugs in severe cases will be drugs used to treat depression and anxiety. When it comes to self-help according to PsychCentral.com the most common options are those of support groups that can help a person realize they are not alone in their disorder. This approach usually works better after therapy sessions due to the above mentioned reason of people with Avoidant Personality Disorder find working in groups or dealing with groups difficult. There are also support groups for families that have someone in their family with Avoidant Personality Disorder, you can contact groups such as this, as well as others by calling a mental health clinic in your area.

It is important to realize that people with psychological disorders need major family, and friend support. Never mock a person for having a mental disorder, this can cause more stress for them along the way, even when done in fun or in the moment of joking around. Always be prepared to listen and do all you can to educate your self on the disorder that your family member or friend is dealing with. Education and understanding once again are key.

RESOURCES:

MentalHealthMatters.com ~ http://www.mental-health-matters.com/disorders/dis_details.php?disID=13

PsychCentral.com ~ http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx8t.htm