Avoidant personality disorder facts for kids
Avoidant personality disorder (often called AvPD) is a type of personality disorder. This is a long-term way a person thinks, feels, and behaves that is different from what is usually expected. It's like a long-lasting challenge with how someone sees themselves and interacts with others.
What are the Signs of AvPD?
People with AvPD often feel very shy and uncomfortable around others. They might feel nervous in social situations, like school events or parties. They often worry that other people won't like them or will say negative things about them. Because of this, they can be very sensitive to criticism.
How is AvPD Diagnosed?
Doctors who specialize in mental health, like Psychiatrists, use a special guide to help them understand and diagnose conditions like AvPD. This guide is called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (often shortened to DSM).
To diagnose AvPD, a mental health professional looks at how a person acts and feels. If someone shows four or more of the following signs, the DSM suggests they might have AvPD:
- They avoid jobs or activities that involve a lot of contact with other people. This is because they are very afraid of being rejected or criticized.
- They don't want to get close to people unless they are very sure the other person likes them.
- They are very careful or held back in relationships. They don't let people get too close because they are afraid of being hurt or made to feel bad.
- They spend a lot of time worrying about being criticized or rejected in social situations.
- They feel uncomfortable or held back when meeting new people. This is because they feel they are not as good as others.
- They think they are not good with people, not attractive, or not as good as other people.
- They don't like to take risks or try new things. This is in case they get embarrassed or feel bad.
It's important to know that the signs of AvPD are much more serious than just being ordinarily shy.
See Also
In Spanish: Trastorno de la personalidad por evitación para niños
