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Personality

Avoidant personality disorder

Social inhibition, feelings of inferiority and hypersensitivity to criticism, which lead to avoiding relationships even if desired.

Common signs

Fear of rejection and criticismAvoids relationships and challengesFeels inferior

Tips

For you

  1. Gradual exposure to social situations
  2. Work on self-criticism
  3. Cognitive behavioural therapy is effective

For family and friends

  1. Invite them without pressure and encourage every step
  2. Avoid criticising them in public

When to ask for help

  1. If the isolation grows
  2. If sadness or hopelessness appear

Guidance test

Answer thinking about the last few weeks. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. I avoid socialising for fear of criticism
2. I only socialise if I'm sure I'll be liked
3. I find it hard to open up even with people close to me
4. I often think I'm going to be rejected
5. I feel inferior to others
6. I avoid new challenges for fear of failing
7. I feel very inhibited in social situations
8. I want to connect with people, but I'm scared
Also take the full social anxiety test →

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveFull article: Social phobiaFree resource from Clínica VivaldiAll our free guidesFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

Paranoid personality disorderPersonalitySchizoid personality disorderPersonalitySchizotypal personality disorderPersonalityAntisocial personality disorderPersonality

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.