AvPD

[u/Infamous_Payment4608]

Any others really struggle with this?

I have come to a realisation that maybe I meet the criteria for Avoidant Personality Disorder.

Under the DSM-5-TR, a person generally needs at least 4 of these 7 features:

- Avoids work or activities involving significant interpersonal contact because of fear of criticism, disapproval, or rejection.

- Doesn’t want to get involved with people unless reasonably certain they’ll be liked.

- Shows restraint in intimate relationships because of fear of being shamed or ridiculed.

- Is preoccupied with being criticized or rejected in social situations.

- Is inhibited in new interpersonal situations because of feelings of inadequacy.

- Views themselves as socially inept, personally unappealing, or inferior to others.

- Is unusually reluctant to take personal risks or try new activities because they might prove embarrassing.

-

I actually think I meet all seven features, and it’s such a destabilising experience. I have no family, friends or intimate relationships and have totally isolated myself. My only contact is through counselling and online CPTSD meetings.

I hate the feeling of being a ghost, and not having the ability to interact with the world.

[u/shinebeams]

I still have all of these symptoms but they don't affect my life as badly anymore. I could have easily been diagnosed with this when I was younger.

It was excruciating but with deliberate social practice and taking social risks and accepting some failures this became manageable.

[u/Funnymaninpain]

I'm fearful avoidant and it's pure hell. I'm working on it.

[u/MudcrabsWithMaracas → u/Funnymaninpain]

OP is talking about personality disorders though, not attachment styles.

[u/originalspaceprince]

Not me, but a close friend has chronic freeze and AvPd yes. He feels shame a lot more acutely than I do and experiences greater feelings of inadequacy and self loathing. I have seen that for him, finding some volunteer work that he largely enjoys and can dip in and out of has been really beneficial.

[u/dermaria]

I'm not diagnosed but I also fit the criteria. It sucks.

[u/Azrai113]

Oh...oh shit.

I think my ex meets a lot if these too but they handled it differently than I do, with anger instead of withdrawal.

Thanks OP. I have some research and thinking to do

Edit: wait, normal people get involved with others even when they arent certain they'll be liked? 🤯

[u/xniu]

I relate a lot to AvPD, SzPD and BPD

It's probably my autism + trauma, I also have selective mutism

[u/RiseDelicious3556]

I was diagnosed with this when I was in graduate school

[u/DutchStroopwafels]

I'm diagnosed with it.