What is the theory behind this Avoidant Personality Disorder?
People with personality disorders have certain traits that significantly impact their day to day functioning and social interactions. Avoidant personality disorder is characterised under ‘Cluster C’ personality disorders in the DSM-V , all of which are considered to have the highest anxiety levels. Getting a diagnosis of a particular personality disorder is always a tough task since there are so many factors to take into consideration.
How will the worksheet help?
The worksheet will help provide some common signs and symptoms that are observed in people who are diagnosed with Avoidant Personality Disorder. It is by no means a self-analysis tool but more of an information handout to prompt people to be aware of themselves and others around them so that professional help can be sought if needed.
How to use the worksheet?
This worksheet can be used in mental health awareness campaigns to bring people’s attention to the signs and symptoms of Avoidant Personality Disorder so that they can seek professional help for themselves or their loved ones. A lot of times people with APD may be judged and not receive the right kind of help.
Avoidant Personality Disorder Worksheet
Avoidant Personality disorder is characterised by extreme fear of humiliation and rejection leading to isolation from others. These behavioural patterns can vary in intensity from person to person. Following are some of the signs and symptoms of Avoidant Personality Disorder.
| Extreme fear of rejection by others | |
| Extreme fear of humiliation by others | |
| Extreme fear of embarrassing themselves in social situations | |
| Easily hurt by criticism | |
| Overly sensitive to rejection | |
| Avoiding social contact dues to above mentioned | |
| Appear shy or awkward in social situations | |
| Experience extreme anxiety in social situations | |
| Feel they are inferior to others – have low-esteem | |
| Hold themselves back from trying new things or taking risks out of fear of embarrassment | |
| Prefer isolation than social contact | |
| Restrictive behavior even in close relationships |
Reference
You can download this worksheet here.