There are many types of mental health disorders, but most people are only familiar with a few. For example, the general public knows of personality disorder. However, they aren’t aware that there are several types. For that reason, they’re curious about what is avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) when the topic comes up.
Definition for What Is Avoidant Personality Disorder
There are three separate clusters of personality disorders. The conditions in Cluster A involve eccentric, or even, odd behaviors. Those in Cluster B involve erratic, dramatic, and emotional behaviors. Then, there are Cluster C disorders, which consist of fearful or anxious behavior.
AVPD is in Cluster C because the main traits of people with this mental illness are fear and nervousness. Most of the time, they exhibit a lifelong pattern of shyness that hinders their careers and relationships. Also, they have poor self-esteem, often feel inadequate, and are sensitive to negative judgment and rejection. Because of these traits, they usually avoid contact with others.
Experts don’t know the exact cause of AVPD. However, they believe that environment and genetics are major factors. Despite that, there’s no way to determine who will develop the disorder. For instance, children who are shy may grow out of it, or they may develop AVPD. Then, avoidant personality disorder therapy is necessary.
Therapy for AVPD
Knowing what is avoidant personality disorder makes it clear why getting help is essential. However, people with AVPD don’t typically look for help on their own. If they do, it’s usually for a specific problem. When they resolve that problem, they stop seeing their psychologists.
Like other personality disorders, helping people with AVPD is complex because it involves breaking long-term habits. It’s difficult for them to recognize that they have a problem and can benefit from therapy. With professional help, though, they can reduce their symptoms and develop coping skills.
One of the most common forms of counseling that psychologists use is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It teaches people how to change their thought patterns to overcome their symptoms. With psychodynamic therapy, they become aware of how conflict, pain and past experiences contribute to the disorder. Then, they can resolve these issues and move forward with healthier lives.
In addition, schema therapy is an integrative technique that builds on other therapeutic methods. It focuses on improving how people function on a daily basis. Schema therapy also helps them use early life experiences to gain insight for change.
Learn to Manage AVPD Now
Has your shyness worsened from childhood to adolescence or adulthood? Do you think that you have AVPD? You can get avoidant personality disorder therapy at PACE Mental Health Houston. In fact, our team of psychiatrists and psychologists uses a range of therapeutic services, including:
- Teen and adult therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Stress management counseling
- Trauma therapy
- Medication management
Don’t let your relationships or career suffer because you’re shy or have poor self-esteem. Learn more about what is avoidant personality disorder and the help that’s available. Dial 866.971.8423 to speak with our friendly staff about getting therapy today.
