The Effects Of Avoidant Personality Disorder And Self-Criticism

Medically reviewed by Melissa Guarnaccia, LCSW
Updated October 18, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Personality disorders can be described as mental health conditions involving long-term patterns of thought and behavior that differ from what is considered normal in one’s culture. Personality disorders can be difficult to treat because those affected usually don’t realize that their behavior is maladaptive.

Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) is a relatively common condition, affecting about 1.5% to 2.5% of people. Symptoms of AVPD usually arise in early adulthood and can have a lifelong impact, but some researchers believe the disorder is underrecognized and poorly studied

AVPD is usually characterized by a sense of inadequacy and hypersensitivity to other people’s opinions, but self-criticism may also be a significant factor. If you or someone you love is exhibiting symptoms of ASVD, it can be helpful to work with a licensed therapist to develop healthy coping skills.

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You don’t have to manage AVPD alone

What is avoidant personality disorder? 

AVPD is typically characterized by a persistent pattern of social anxiety, rejection sensitivity, and a sense of inadequacy, paired with a deep-rooted longing for meaningful connection with others. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), AVPD is classified as a cluster C personality disorder, along with dependent personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Disorders in this cluster are primarily defined by anxiety symptoms.

People with AVPD normally have an intense fear of emotional harm or rejection, and while they may long for social relationships, these fears generally outweigh their desire for closeness to others. The gap between wanting social relationships and being unable to have them can lead to disappointment.

Other avoidant personality disorder traits may include the following: 

  • Being prone to giving up on things when they encounter a challenge
  • Typically dressing in neutral clothing to avoid the risk of criticism 
  • Appearing nervous, reserved, anxious, or uncomfortable
  • Seeing themselves as inferior or inadequate
  • Being reluctant to become involved with others
  • Experiencing extreme nervousness and fear in relationships and social settings
  • Being afraid of doing something wrong or feeling embarrassed
  • Exaggerating potential problems
  • Misinterpreting feedback as negative
  • Rarely taking chances or trying anything new

AVPD can have some overlap with social anxiety disorder, but they are two distinct conditions. People with social anxiety or social phobia often sense that they’re being rejected or judged by others, but these perceptions are usually related to high levels of anxiety and aren’t necessarily accurate. In contrast, the symptoms of AVPD tend to stem from a sense of worthlessness.

Avoidant personality disorder and self-criticism

People with AVPD may be prone to harsh, negative self-talk. Research shows that the negative beliefs they have about themselves typically correlate with a low self-image, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, and little self-respect. A person with AVPD may believe they are a failure and tend to ruminate, ultimately concluding that there is something wrong with them.

When experiencing painful emotions, people with AVPD may react with negative thoughts and feelings, like anger or sadness. Some research shows that these negative self-critiques can lead to underachievement, as people with this condition may believe that there is no point in trying to do anything since they will fail anyway.

People with AVPD may hold back because of their fear of the opinions of others, and self-criticism often follows when they do so. At its core, the belief that others are critical of them may stem from the beliefs they have about themselves.

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How AVPD can affect those who live with it

How does self-criticism affect the lives of people with AVPD? Studies have found that negative thoughts can have significant effects on basic self-care, like hygiene and nourishment, and may lead to self-harm. Those with AVPD may see themselves as unappealing, inept, or inferior, which can lead to reluctance to engage in new activities and meet new people.

Because of their sensitivity to criticism, people with AVPD may be particularly sensitive to criticism in the workplace, which can lead them to choose careers that minimize social interaction to avoid judgment. These choices can limit their career progression and achievements, sometimes leading to career dissatisfaction or underemployment. 

The fear of rejection may prevent people with AVPD from entering relationships if the possibility of rejection exists. In intimate relationships, they may have difficulty being vulnerable and revealing their true selves, possibly avoiding emotional closeness to protect themselves. 

Social situations can be challenging for people with AVPD due to their fear of judgment or criticism. People with this personality disorder may assume that they will be rejected, which can lead them to avoid social situations altogether. 

The self-criticism of AVPD can prevent people from making meaningful connections with others, which can lead to loneliness and isolation. Because people with AVPD may also have a strong desire for social connection, they may ultimately develop anxiety or depression and experience a lower quality of life.
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You don’t have to manage AVPD alone

Treating AVPD

Research into how to optimally manage AVPD is limited, and some studies have found that even with treatment, people with this personality disorder may not effectively overcome symptoms. 

Generally, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered the best treatment for AVPD. This treatment typically aims to help people with AVPD learn coping strategies to change maladaptive thinking patterns, improve social skills, increase self-esteem, and challenge their avoidant behaviors. 

Caring for someone with AVPD can also be challenging, and it may be difficult to balance your needs with theirs. If you are living with symptoms of AVPD or caring for someone who is, it might be helpful to seek help from a mental health professional. 

If you’re interested in working with a therapist, consider online treatment. When you sign up for a platform like BetterHelp, you can work with a licensed mental health professional from the comfort of your own home at a time that suits your schedule. This may be more comfortable for those with AVPD than face-to-face treatment, especially because they can choose between video conference, phone call, and online chat for each session.

In addition to being flexible and convenient, research shows that online therapy can be highly effective. While not much research exists on the efficacy of online therapy specifically for avoidant personality disorder, studies have found that teletherapy tends to be equally effective as face-to-face therapy.

Takeaway

Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) is usually characterized by a sense of inadequacy and hypersensitivity to criticism. Those with AVPD often desire social connections but have a fear of rejection that prevents them from forming close relationships with others. People with this condition may be prone to self-criticism, which can negatively impact their ability to interact with others. If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of AVPD or another mental health disorder, it may be helpful to work with a licensed therapist in person or online.
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