हिंदी

Personality Disorder - Avoidant Personality Disorder

Topics

Estimated time: 15 minutes

Meaning
Definition: Avoidant Personality Disorder
Symptoms
Causes
Effects
Treatment
Key Points: Avoidant Personality Disorder

CISCE: Class 12

Meaning

Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD) involves a strong fear of unfamiliar people and social situations.
It is marked by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to criticism.
Individuals avoid strangers, which affects peer relationships and social functioning.
However, they desire close relationships and maintain positive bonds with family and familiar people.

CISCE: Class 12

Definition: Avoidant Personality Disorder

According to DSM IV, avoidant personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, hypersensitivity to negative evaluation, excessive shrinking from contact with unfamiliar people and strangers, so as to interfere with social functioning in peer relationships, etc.

CISCE: Class 12

Symptoms

Children and adolescents with AvPD lack proper social and interpersonal relationships with peers.
They feel timid and embarrassed in groups, social circles, and parties.
Shyness and inhibitions often complicate their learning process.
The disorder disrupts functioning in peer relationships but spares close family bonds.

CISCE: Class 12

Causes

AvPD is more common in girls, possibly due to social expectations of passivity and withdrawal.
Parental reinforcement of shyness can increase avoidant behaviour.
Anxiety disorders are more common in mothers of children with AvPD.
Childhood trauma, neglect, or sexual abuse can contribute to its development.
Low self-esteem due to physical, social, or medical difficulties increases risk.

CISCE: Class 12

Effects

Poor social and interpersonal relationships negatively affect peer interactions.
Timidity and embarrassment are common in group settings and social events.
Shyness and inhibition can interfere with academic performance.
Family relationships usually remain positive despite peer difficulties.

CISCE: Class 12

Treatment

Psychotherapy serves as the initial treatment approach for the child with AvPD.
Parents also receive psychotherapy to address their role in reinforcing shyness.
Early intervention focuses on building social skills and reducing avoidance patterns.

CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Avoidant Personality Disorder

Meaning: AvPD involves fear of unfamiliar people, social inhibition, and feelings of inadequacy, but family relationships remain positive.
Symptoms: Avoids strangers, feels embarrassed in groups, and struggles with peer relationships and studies.
Causes: Linked to parental reinforcement of shyness, maternal anxiety, trauma, and low self-esteem.
Risk Factors: More common in girls and in those with poor social skills or physical/medical difficulties.
Treatment: Psychotherapy for both the child and parents to improve social skills and reduce avoidance.