Have you ever been curious as to how a licensed clinician goes about spotting and diagnosing avoidant personality disorder? Licensed clinical psychologist Ramani Durvasula and MedCircle host Kyle Kittleson take us through the ins and outs of the typical traits of this disorder and how it's properly diagnosed.
One thing that Durvasula notes right off the bat is that it is not a speedy process.
“As with all personality disorders, it’s not just sort of like a quick and easy … process,” Durvasula explains. “Many times when we come to the diagnosis of a personality disorder, it can require multiple interactions with a client.”
On a general level, avoidant personality disorder can be classified as a pattern of fear of rejection and social inadequacy characterized by being socially inhibited wherein it affects work and daily life.
Durvasula explains that there are typically seven traits that are looked for in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (also known as the DSM).
One of the key characteristics of avoidant personality disorder is the individual avoids occupational activities that have a lot of interpersonal interaction because they’re afraid of making a mistake, looking foolish, or being criticized. This can affect the individual’s life and even hurt their career.
Another key trait in avoidant personality disorder is that the individual is not willing to get involved with other people unless they’re sure that they’ll be accepted. And due to not being able to attain that kind of impenetrable reassurance, the individual tends to avoid close personal relationships.
Durvasula warns that there can also be a dangerous facet specific to this kind of fear in that the person might find themselves easily manipulated or toyed with.
To learn the other five traits of avoidant personality disorder as well as if misdiagnosis can happen, check out the video.
*Disclaimer: The advice on LittleThings.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
