Avoidant Personality Disorder is a Cluster C personality disorder and is also referred to as anxious personality disorder. This mental illness can be challenging since a person who is suffering from AvPD finds it hard to trust other people and be open about their feelings. People with this mental disorder are uncomfortable with being in contact with others and often lack social skills. They also prefer to be isolated from other people and are often lonely, anxious and uneasy.
Despite the challenges and struggles dealing with people with AvPD, the prognosis for this mental disorder is fair to good. And although a person treated for this disorder will not really get over shyness, early diagnosis and treatment can make it easier for the patient and the people around him or her. By sticking with the created treatment plan and one that is supported by family members and support groups, the condition of the patient can improve. If attention and the right treatment are provided, he or she can be able to function better in society and at the workplace.
Outlook for People with Avoidant Personality Disorder
Treatment for individuals with this personality disorder can take a long period of time. It is important for people seeking treatment to be motivated to it and be committed to stay in the program. By doing so, it is more likely to achieve success in the treatment. On the other hand, if a person diagnosed with AvPD does not seek treatment, the condition can worsen and can lead to other mental disorders such as agoraphobia, depression and sunstance abuse.
How Is Avoidant Personality Disorder Diagnosed?
This mental disorder should be evident before early adulthood of the patient and the individual should at least four of the characteristics attributed to a person with this personality disorder.
1. Avoiding activities at work that involves contact with other people because of the fear of rejection or disapproval as well as criticisms can be a sign of avoidant personality disorder.
2. Not being open to a partner when in a relationship because of the fear or humiliation and ridicule.
3. Unwillingness to get involved in relationships or letting someone person in one’s life unless there is an assurance that he or she will not be rejected.
4. Feeling inept when it comes to social skills, thus, avoiding social situations.
5. Thoughts are of assumptions of criticisms and rejection that these create fear.
6. Not finding self-worth and feeling inferior to other people and lacking appeal to others.
7. Fear of taking on new activities or accepting changes out of fear of getting embarrassed.
Different psychotherapy approaches can be used to treat Avoidant Personality Disorder for the client to improve social skills, be more adjusted with social contacts and promote healing for factors that trigger this disorder such as psychological issues. It is utterly important for the client to develop trust in the therapist and seek treatment despite the fear of rejection. By getting the right diagnosis and looking for the right clinician to create a treatment plan, a person with this mental disorder can function better in life. Having said this, it is necessary to get the right treatment available that is suited for the symptoms manifested by the patient.