What is a central feature of Avoidant Personality Disorder?

The central feature of Avoidant Personality Disorder is heightened anxiety in social situations. Individuals with this disorder typically experience significant fear of embarrassment, criticism, and rejection, which leads them to avoid social interactions. This pervasive anxiety can result in a strong desire for personal relationships, yet a compelling fear of engaging due to the associated anxiety. The fear of negative evaluation often prevents them from forming connections with others, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

The heightened anxiety manifests in various ways, such as physical symptoms (like sweating or trembling), intense feelings of self-doubt, and catastrophic thoughts about being judged or ridiculed. These symptoms create a cycle that reinforces their avoidance behaviors, as the anticipation of anxiety often results in the decision to withdraw from potential social situations altogether. Thus, the characteristics of Avoidant Personality Disorder are deeply rooted in the anxiety associated with social encounters, making it the most defining aspect of the disorder.