The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), the standard diagnostic reference for mental health professionals in the United States, states that at least four of the following criteria (or symptoms) must be present in an individual for a diagnosis of avoidant personality disorder:
• The avoidance of occupational or school activities that involve significant interpersonal contact due to an unreasonable or excessive fear of rejection or criticism.
• An unwillingness to enter into an interpersonal relationship unless there are assurances of acceptance.
• Restraint in interpersonal situations because of an unreasonable fear of being ridiculed.
• Preoccupation with criticism and the possibility of rejection in social situations.
• Inhibition with others in interpersonal relationships due to feelings of inadequacy.
• Self-perception of social inadequacy and inferiority to others.
• Reluctance to participate in new activities or take any personal risks because of a perceived risk of embarrassment.
Avoidant personality disorder can occur in conjunction with other social phobias, mood and anxiety disor-ders, and personality disorders. Diagnosis may be complicated by the fact that avoidant personality disorder can either be the cause or result of other mood and anxiety disorders. For example, individuals who suffer from major depressive disorder may begin to withdraw from social situations and experience feelings of worthlessness, symptoms that are also prominent features of avoidant personality disorder. On the other hand, the insecurity and isolation that are symptoms of avoidant personality disorder can naturally trigger feelings of depression.
Taken from : The Gale Encyclopedia Of Psychology 2ND Edition - Bonnie Strickland
