Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD) is characterized by a long-standing pattern of hypersensitivity to rejection, feelings of inadequacy, and avoidance of social interaction.
The test below is an interactive symptom checklist based partly on the diagnostic criteria used when evaluating Avoidant Personality Disorder.
Please note that this quiz is not a replacement for professional advice.
There are additional factors that need to be taken into consideration and that could not be included in this assessment.
Check all that apply:
I avoid jobs or activities that require a lot of contact with people because of my fear of criticism, disapproval, or rejection.
I feel inadequate.
I avoid getting involved with people unless I am certain they like me.
I constantly worry about other people’s opinions of me.
I often turn down social opportunities because I feel too self-conscious.
I am afraid of embarrassing myself.
I feel inhibited when meeting new people because I think I am inadequate.
I tend to avoid taking risks.
I have low self-esteem.
I think I am socially inept, unappealing, or inferior to others.
People think I am shy.
I am very sensitive to rejection.
I am very reserved in intimate relationships because I am afraid of being ashamed or ridiculed.
I live an isolated life.
I fantasize about having great relationships, but at the same time, I avoid meeting new people.
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I am reluctant to take personal risks or try new things because I am afraid of embarrassing myself.
I tend to avoid unfamiliar situations.
I constantly worry about being rejected or criticized by others.
The DSM criteria for Avoidant Personality Disorder include seven characteristic features, and at least four need to be present for the diagnosis to be considered.
However, checking four or more criteria on this quiz does not mean that you have AvPD. A diagnosis also depends on how persistent and widespread these patterns are, how much they affect your life, and whether another condition could better explain your symptoms.
If you checked several DSM criteria or many of the additional questions, it may be worth discussing your concerns with a qualified mental health professional experienced in diagnosing and treating personality disorders.
Only a mental health professional can make a diagnosis. The quiz above is not a diagnostic tool.
While this isn’t a replacement for a face-to-face appointment with a mental health professional, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may help with some problems that can occur alongside AvPD, such as social anxiety, negative beliefs about yourself, and avoidance.
CBT is a widely used form of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
A very goal-oriented approach, CBT can help you identify unhelpful thinking patterns and gradually change the way you respond to difficult situations.
According to the CBT approach, the way we interpret people and events can strongly influence how we feel and behave.
If you are interested, here is a fully equipped CBT platform, including access to therapists.
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