Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAvoidant Personality DisorderSocial AnxietyDifferencesDiagnosisTreatmentWhen to Get HelpFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Social Anxiety
Differences
Diagnosis
Treatment
When to Get Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD)andsocial anxiety disorder (SAD)are both conditions that involve discomfort and withdrawal in social settings. They share several characteristics but are classified differently.
AVPD is a personality disorder in which avoidance is used to cope with feelings of personal inadequacy.This condition affects an estimated 1.5 to 2.5% of the population.
According to some research, 32 to 50% of people with AVPD also suffer from SAD.
Read on to learn more about the ways in which AVPD and SAD are similar and the key differences of these conditions.
JGI / Jamie Grill / Getty Images
What Is Avoidant Personality Disorder?
This pattern of behavior makes it very difficult for people with AVPD to form and maintain relationships (including friendships). It also can interfere with other areas of their life such as employment.
Symptoms of AVPD
The hallmark characteristics of AVPD are:
Symptoms can range from mild to extreme.
AVPD is not typically diagnosed before age 18, but symptoms of AVPD are often present in childhood and adolescence.
How Are AVPD and SAD Similar?AVPD and SAD involve discomfort and anxiety in social settings.People with either condition tend to avoid situations where they may feel judged, criticized, or embarrassed. They don’t like to be the focus of attention.
How Are AVPD and SAD Similar?
AVPD and SAD involve discomfort and anxiety in social settings.People with either condition tend to avoid situations where they may feel judged, criticized, or embarrassed. They don’t like to be the focus of attention.
AVPD and SAD involve discomfort and anxiety in social settings.
People with either condition tend to avoid situations where they may feel judged, criticized, or embarrassed. They don’t like to be the focus of attention.
What Is Social Anxiety?
This worry can start well ahead of—even weeks before—the situation. The anxiety from SAD can interfere with work, school, activities, and relationships (including friendships).
Some situations that commonly cause significant distress and anxiety for people with SAD include:
Symptoms of Social Anxiety
Symptoms of SAD include:
Do People With AVPD and SAD Want to Be Around People?While people with AVPD and SAD actively avoid interacting with others, they often long for closeness with others. The avoidance stems from the anxiety they feel about the potential of being judged or from feeling inadequate, not from a lack of desire to be around people or form relationships.
Do People With AVPD and SAD Want to Be Around People?
While people with AVPD and SAD actively avoid interacting with others, they often long for closeness with others. The avoidance stems from the anxiety they feel about the potential of being judged or from feeling inadequate, not from a lack of desire to be around people or form relationships.
How Are AVPD and SAD Different?
AVPD and SAD are similar in a lot of ways, but there are several distinctions between them.
Classification
AVPD is apersonality disorder. Personality disorders are patterns of behavior and inner experiences that are significantly different from what is expected in an individual’s culture. These patterns are consistent and long term, not fleeting or occasional.
SAD is ananxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders mean a person responds to certain items or situations with disproportionate worry and fear that it interferes with their ability to function or causes significant distress.
Insight
People with SAD are usually at least somewhat aware that their fears of harsh judgment are irrational, even if they can’t control them.
People with AVPD may genuinely believe themselves to be inferior, and that the perceived criticism they feel is justified.
Childhood History
While parentalabuseand/or neglect are risk factors for both AVPD and SAD, a 2015 study found that the risk was more pronounced with AVPD.
Motivation
SAD is rooted inperformance anxiety, namely that they will say or do something that will be embarrassing or cause scrutiny.
AVPD is rooted in negative self-evaluation compared to others. They are highly critical of themselves and have a poor self-image, which they project onto others, assuming others view them the way they view themselves.
Scope of Avoidance
A person with SAD tends to avoid specific situations, such as meeting new people, and public speaking.
A person with AVPD typically experiences a level of avoidance that affects all areas of their life.
How Are AVPD and SAD Diagnosed?
Diagnosis for both AVPD and SAD typically begins with a visit to your primary healthcare provider.
The healthcare provider will:
A mental health professional will do a more detailed assessment todetermine a precise diagnosis.
How Are AVPD and SAD Treated?
While treatment for SAD has been studied widely, there is very little quality research on treatment of AVPD, particularly without a comorbid (co-occurring) diagnosis of SAD. Much of the treatment recommended for AVPD is an extension of treatment for SAD, but some nuance does exist.
Therapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is the first-line treatment for both AVPD and SAD.
A 2019 study showed that group therapy combined with individual therapy was beneficial to people with SAD both with and without comorbid AVPD, though the group therapy showed more promise for those with SAD only.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)is the most common therapy for both AVPD and SAD. CBT involves identifying problematic thinking processes and behaviors and changing them into healthy, productive ones.
Based on the principles of CBT, an approach called schema therapy may help people with AVPD. Schema therapy uses cognitive, behavioral, and emotion-focused techniques to change long-held, entrenched, self-defeating life patterns.
What Is a Schema?
When normal, healthy developmental needs are not met in childhood, maladaptive schemas (those not appropriate to the situation) can develop, affecting thoughts and behavior into adulthood.
Medication
Medications used to treat SAD include:
Medication is not typically the primary treatment for AVPD. Some medications may be given for certain symptoms of the disorder or for co-occurring conditions such asantidepressantsfor depression.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you are experiencing symptoms of either AVPD or SAD, see a healthcare provider. With treatment, both conditions can improve, but neither is likely to go away without help.
Both conditions are associated with other comorbid mental health conditions, and people with AVPD are at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and actions.
Help Is AvailableIf you or someone you know are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call911.
Help Is Available
If you or someone you know are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call911.
Summary
AVPD and SAD are different conditions with similar characteristics. They often occur together.
People with either condition may avoid and feel uncomfortable in social situations. People with SAD do so because they fear judgment from others. People with AVPD have a negative self-view and are sensitive to rejection and criticism, even if just perceived.
CBT is a recommended treatment for both disorders. Schema therapy is an emerging treatment for AVPD.
Medications such as antidepressants may be prescribed for SAD, but they are not usually a primary treatment for AVPD unless there is a comorbid condition that also needs to be treated.
A Word From Verywell
If you regularly experience anxiety in, or avoidance of, social situations, speak with your healthcare provider to see if SAD or AVPD may be at play. With help, symptoms of both conditions can improve and help you find a path to enjoying social situations and building meaningful relationships.
Regularly feeling a high level of anxiety in social settings or with social interaction is an indication that you may be experiencing SAD. For a diagnosis, see your healthcare provider.
Some of the ways you can help someone with SAD are to learn about their condition, encourage them to seek and follow treatment, praise small accomplishments, be patient, and listen to them.
SAD is an anxiety disorder, which is a recognized mental health illness.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lampe L, Malhi GS.Avoidant personality disorder: current insights.Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2018;11:55-66. doi:10.2147/PRBM.S121073MedlinePlus.Social anxiety disorder.Baljé A, Greeven A, van Giezen A, Korrelboom K, Arntz A, Spinhoven P.Group schema therapy versus group cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder with comorbid avoidant personality disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.Trials. 2016;17(1):487. doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1605-9Theravive.Avoidant personality disorder DSM-5 301. 82(F60.6).Cleveland Clinic.Avoidant personality disorder.National Institute of Mental Health.Social anxiety disorder: more than just shyness.American Psychiatric Association.What are personality disorders?National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety Disorders.Eikenaes I, Egeland J, Hummelen B, Wilberg T.Avoidant personality disorder versus social phobia: the significance of childhood neglect[published correction appears in PLoS One. 2015;10(5):e0128737].PLoS One. 2015;10(3):e0122846. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0122846Boettcher J, Weinbrecht A, Heinrich M, Renneberg B.Treatment of social anxiety disorder and avoidant personality disorder in routine care: a naturalistic study of combined individual and group therapy.VER. 2019:1-9. doi: 10.1159/000497738National Social Anxiety Center.Schema therapy: a depth approach for avoidant personality disorder.Padesky CA.Schema change processes in cognitive therapy.Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy.1994;1:267–278. doi:10.1002/cpp.5640010502
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lampe L, Malhi GS.Avoidant personality disorder: current insights.Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2018;11:55-66. doi:10.2147/PRBM.S121073MedlinePlus.Social anxiety disorder.Baljé A, Greeven A, van Giezen A, Korrelboom K, Arntz A, Spinhoven P.Group schema therapy versus group cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder with comorbid avoidant personality disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.Trials. 2016;17(1):487. doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1605-9Theravive.Avoidant personality disorder DSM-5 301. 82(F60.6).Cleveland Clinic.Avoidant personality disorder.National Institute of Mental Health.Social anxiety disorder: more than just shyness.American Psychiatric Association.What are personality disorders?National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety Disorders.Eikenaes I, Egeland J, Hummelen B, Wilberg T.Avoidant personality disorder versus social phobia: the significance of childhood neglect[published correction appears in PLoS One. 2015;10(5):e0128737].PLoS One. 2015;10(3):e0122846. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0122846Boettcher J, Weinbrecht A, Heinrich M, Renneberg B.Treatment of social anxiety disorder and avoidant personality disorder in routine care: a naturalistic study of combined individual and group therapy.VER. 2019:1-9. doi: 10.1159/000497738National Social Anxiety Center.Schema therapy: a depth approach for avoidant personality disorder.Padesky CA.Schema change processes in cognitive therapy.Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy.1994;1:267–278. doi:10.1002/cpp.5640010502
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Lampe L, Malhi GS.Avoidant personality disorder: current insights.Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2018;11:55-66. doi:10.2147/PRBM.S121073MedlinePlus.Social anxiety disorder.Baljé A, Greeven A, van Giezen A, Korrelboom K, Arntz A, Spinhoven P.Group schema therapy versus group cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder with comorbid avoidant personality disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.Trials. 2016;17(1):487. doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1605-9Theravive.Avoidant personality disorder DSM-5 301. 82(F60.6).Cleveland Clinic.Avoidant personality disorder.National Institute of Mental Health.Social anxiety disorder: more than just shyness.American Psychiatric Association.What are personality disorders?National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety Disorders.Eikenaes I, Egeland J, Hummelen B, Wilberg T.Avoidant personality disorder versus social phobia: the significance of childhood neglect[published correction appears in PLoS One. 2015;10(5):e0128737].PLoS One. 2015;10(3):e0122846. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0122846Boettcher J, Weinbrecht A, Heinrich M, Renneberg B.Treatment of social anxiety disorder and avoidant personality disorder in routine care: a naturalistic study of combined individual and group therapy.VER. 2019:1-9. doi: 10.1159/000497738National Social Anxiety Center.Schema therapy: a depth approach for avoidant personality disorder.Padesky CA.Schema change processes in cognitive therapy.Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy.1994;1:267–278. doi:10.1002/cpp.5640010502
Lampe L, Malhi GS.Avoidant personality disorder: current insights.Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2018;11:55-66. doi:10.2147/PRBM.S121073
MedlinePlus.Social anxiety disorder.
Baljé A, Greeven A, van Giezen A, Korrelboom K, Arntz A, Spinhoven P.Group schema therapy versus group cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder with comorbid avoidant personality disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.Trials. 2016;17(1):487. doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1605-9
Theravive.Avoidant personality disorder DSM-5 301. 82(F60.6).
Cleveland Clinic.Avoidant personality disorder.
National Institute of Mental Health.Social anxiety disorder: more than just shyness.
American Psychiatric Association.What are personality disorders?
National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety Disorders.
Eikenaes I, Egeland J, Hummelen B, Wilberg T.Avoidant personality disorder versus social phobia: the significance of childhood neglect[published correction appears in PLoS One. 2015;10(5):e0128737].PLoS One. 2015;10(3):e0122846. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0122846
Boettcher J, Weinbrecht A, Heinrich M, Renneberg B.Treatment of social anxiety disorder and avoidant personality disorder in routine care: a naturalistic study of combined individual and group therapy.VER. 2019:1-9. doi: 10.1159/000497738
National Social Anxiety Center.Schema therapy: a depth approach for avoidant personality disorder.
Padesky CA.Schema change processes in cognitive therapy.Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy.1994;1:267–278. doi:10.1002/cpp.5640010502
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