The Avoidant Personality Disorder

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="height: 100%;"> <tbody> <tr> <td text="#F7F7FF" bgcolor="#333333" background="03cdedc2ddualp.png" width="160" valign="top"> <div><a target="_top" href="index.htm" title="Dr. Wade Silverman, Ph.D"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Dr. Wade Silverman, Ph.D</b></span></a></div> <br /> <div><a target="_top" href="id8.htm" title="Contact Us"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Contact Us</b></span></a></div> <br /> <div><a target="_top" href="id147.htm" title="FAQs"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>FAQs</b></span></a></div> <br /> <div><a target="_top" href="id16.htm" title="About Dr. Silverman"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>About Dr. Silverman</b></span></a></div> <br /> <div><a target="_top" href="id146.htm" title="Great links"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Great links</b></span></a></div> <br /> <div><a target="_top" href="id3.htm" title="The Mind Reader� archive"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>The Mind Reader© archive</b></span></a></div> </td> <td text="#080000" bgcolor="#ffffff" background="03d64643.png" valign="top"> <div><span style="font-size: large; color: #666633; font-family: Times New Roman;"><b>Dr. Wade Silverman, Ph.D</b></span>    |     <span style="font-size: x-small; color: #0000bf; font-family: Times New Roman;"><a target="_top" href="index.htm" title="Dr. Wade Silverman, Ph.D"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">home</span></a></span></div> <div>                                                  </div> <div>The Avoidant Personality Disorder</div> <br /><br /> <div>In this article we will consider the Avoidant Personality Disorder.  This individual is distinguished by a pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.  He/she exhibits at least four of the following seven characteristics: (1) avoids significant interpersonal contact, (2) is unwilling to interact with others unless they are liked, (3) shows restraint in intimate relationships, (4) is preoccupied with criticisms or rejection, (5) is inhibited in new interpersonal situations, (6) sees self as socially inept and inferior, and (7) reluctant to take risks involving self in new activities.</div> <br /> <div>In layperson's terms, this is the classic �shrinking violet.�  An avoidant person seldom shows initiative.  They shun confrontation and do not stand up for their rights.  There is no other personality disorder that is more in need of assertive skills.  The low self-esteem associated with this personality disorder causes individuals to give up and give in too easily.  As a friend, spouse, or work associate, you will need to set the agenda for the relationship.  Since this person feels so unworthy, he/she will continually inquire as to why you would love or befriend them.  You will find yourself trying to bolster their self-esteem and to raise their self image.</div> <br /> <div>Do not feel guilty about assuming a dominant role with them.  They give you no other choice.  Do not show irritation or disrespect for their lack of assertion and self-respect.  This will only exacerbate their self-loathing and they will withdraw from the relationship.  Reassurance and acceptance are the keys to success in working with this person.  Most avoidant personalities will improve with assertiveness training and psychotherapy.</div> <br /> <div>Dr. Wade Silverman operates a private practice of psychology for adults, adolescents and families.  He has also served as an expert witness in competency evaluations, custody evaluations, sexual discrimination claims, and claims of post-traumatic stress disorder.  He is president of the Division of Psychotherapy of the American Psychological Association, and editor of the journal,<i> Psychotherapy: Theory/ Research/ Practice/ Training</i>.  His office is located at 1390 S. Dixie Highway, Ste. 2222, Coral Gables, FL 33146.   </div> <br /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </body>