Many of us may behave shyly towards unknown and new environments and people, but individuals with avoidant personality disorder may have moods up to fear as a general attitude. They may exhibit behaviors and attitudes related to lack of self-confidence, difficulty in expressing themselves and isolating from social environments.
According to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, it occurs when four or more items are continuous with a pattern that includes social avoidance, lack of self-confidence due to feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to criticism and negative evaluation. These ;
1. Avoiding activities that require a lot of interpersonal contact for fear of being criticized, disliked, or ostracized
2. He does not want to have intercourse with people unless he is sure that he is loved.
3. Struggles in close relationships for fear of embarrassment or ridicule.
4. He thinks that he will be criticized or excluded in social situations.
5. He is inhibited when he is in the same environment with new people because of his feelings of inadequacy.
6. Sees himself as socially inept, personally unappealing, or inferior to others.
7. He does not want to take personal initiatives or participate in new activities because he may feel embarrassed.
Repressed, there may be a strong desire to be accepted. Even if this situation exists, they may exhibit avoidance behaviors that are detached from the society and aiming to protect themselves, as they may be sensitive to criticism. These people, who can be seen as nervous and fearful, may exhibit avoidant behaviors under the thought of being ridiculous.
In his own shell, a distant, cold, shy temperament and attitude can be observed. Due to the gaps and negativities in their sense of trust, they may have difficulty in opening up and expressing themselves to other individuals. The general aim of individuals with this personality disorder is to protect their self. Negative attitudes of parents in early childhood, an underdeveloped self-confidence may be effective in the formation of this personality disorder.
Among the established thoughts, sentences such as I am socially sufficient, people will find the “real” me and exclude me if they get close to me, I should avoid falling into unpleasant situations, can be given as examples. There may be low self-perception and thoughts of inadequacy.
If the individual has been diagnosed with this personality disorder, it is important to start and continue therapy sessions with an appropriate therapy method and therapist.
