Diagnosis and Treatment of Avoidant Personality Disorder
Diagnosis and Treatment for Avoidant Personality Disorder
Each person is unique in how life is viewed and how one reacts to a variety of situations. These unique differences make up one’s personality. Extreme views, feelings, and reactions may cause specific personality disorders that may disrupt a person’s life. Avoidant personality disorder (AvPD) is one type of personality disorder that may explain why a person reacts to situations. The first step in overcoming this disorder is by seeking help to diagnose the issue. There are many available treatments to assist one suffering from this disorder. Professional psychologists will work with a patient to help one understand and conquer AvPD.
AVOIDANT PERSONALITY DISORDER (AvPD)
Many people have felt the pain of rejection. A guy may ask a girl out on a date, but she says no. An employee may ask for a raise, but be rejected. Understanding these rejections are a normal part of life is difficult for one who suffers from avoidant personality disorder. This personality disorder occurs when the person’s fears of rejection by others lead to social isolation (Morris & Maisto, 2002). Being rejected by valued people in this person’s life causes this person to retreat and avoid personal interactions. This then leads to the person feeling more rejection and unhappiness, forcing them to retreat further. Even though this person seeks love and support from those around them, the fear of rejection prevents development of social relationships.
CAUSES FOR AvPD
Causes for AvPD vary by the individual. Experiences occurring throughout childhood through young adulthood are the foundation for adults suffering from AvPD. Extreme shyness, timidiness, and fearfulness of rejection are clues in diagnosing this disorder. When these factors interfere with the development of social interactions, steps must be taken to help.
Determining which treatment is best for an individual depends on the severity of the issue and the specific
Each person is unique in how life is viewed and how one reacts to a variety of situations. These unique differences make up one’s personality. Extreme views, feelings, and reactions may cause specific personality disorders that may disrupt a person’s life. Avoidant personality disorder (AvPD) is one type of personality disorder that may explain why a person reacts to situations. The first step in overcoming this disorder is by seeking help to diagnose the issue. There are many available treatments to assist one suffering from this disorder. Professional psychologists will work with a patient to help one understand and conquer AvPD.
AVOIDANT PERSONALITY DISORDER (AvPD)
Many people have felt the pain of rejection. A guy may ask a girl out on a date, but she says no. An employee may ask for a raise, but be rejected. Understanding these rejections are a normal part of life is difficult for one who suffers from avoidant personality disorder. This personality disorder occurs when the person’s fears of rejection by others lead to social isolation (Morris & Maisto, 2002). Being rejected by valued people in this person’s life causes this person to retreat and avoid personal interactions. This then leads to the person feeling more rejection and unhappiness, forcing them to retreat further. Even though this person seeks love and support from those around them, the fear of rejection prevents development of social relationships.
CAUSES FOR AvPD
Causes for AvPD vary by the individual. Experiences occurring throughout childhood through young adulthood are the foundation for adults suffering from AvPD. Extreme shyness, timidiness, and fearfulness of rejection are clues in diagnosing this disorder. When these factors interfere with the development of social interactions, steps must be taken to help.
Determining which treatment is best for an individual depends on the severity of the issue and the specific
References: Morris, C.G. & Maisto, A.A. (2002). Psychology: An introduction (12th edu). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.