Avoidant Personality Disorder is characterized by a long-standing pattern of hypersensitivity to rejection, feelings of inferiority and avoidance of social interaction.
The test below is an interactive symptom checklist and is similar to questions mental health professionals ask before making a diagnosis.
Please note that this quiz is not a replacement for a professional advice. There are additional factors that need to be taken in consideration and that could not be included in this assessment.
Check all that apply:
I feel inadequate.
I avoid others unless I am certain they like me.
I constantly worry about other people’s opinion of me.
I am a very clumsy person.
I am afraid to embarrass myself.
I avoid meeting new people because I think I am inadequate and it feels very awkward.
I avoid risks.
I have a low self-esteem.
I think I am incompetent, unappealing and inferior to others.
People think I am shy.
I am very sensitive to rejection.
I am very reserved in intimate relationships because of my fear to be ashamed or ridiculed.
I live an isolated life.
I fantasize about having great relationships, but at the same time, I avoid meeting new people.
My life experiences are very limited because I am afraid to embarrass myself.
I avoid trying new things.
I constantly worry about being rejected or criticized by others.
To be diagnosed with Avoidant Personality Disorder, you need to meet at least four DSM criteria. If you checked four or more DSM criteria, it is likely that you are suffering from AvPD and need to be evaluated by a trained mental health professional experienced in diagnosing and treating AvPD.
If you checked less than four criteria, you are likely to have some signs of Avoidant Personality Disorder.
In both cases, only a mental health professional can make a definite diagnosis. The above quiz is not a diagnostic tool.
If you are reading this because you are concerned for somebody you know or a family member, you may want to talk with a licensed therapist online here. However, this website isn’t suitable for those who are in a crisis or may be in danger.