Cluster C PD: Avoidant PD

Question 1

Cluster C

Answer 1

Anxiour or fearful - Worried

Question 2

Main characteristics

Answer 2

• Social inhibition
• Feelings of inadequancy
• Hypersensitivity to negative evaluation

Question 3

Criteria

Answer 3

4 or more of the following
* Avoids occupational activities that involve significant interpersonal contact because of fears of criticism disapproval or rejection
* Is unwilling to get involved with people unless certain of being liked
* Shows restraint within intimate relationships because of the 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 self as socially inept, personally unappealing, or inferior to others
* Is unusually reluctant to take personal risks or to engage in any new activities because they may prove embarrassing

Question 4

Diagnostic features

Answer 4

• Tends to be shy, quiet, inhibited, and invisible due to fear for any attention would be rejectful
• Expects that everything they say, others will see it as wrong
• React strongly to subtle cues that are suggestive of mockery
• Fear of placing welfare in the hands of others
• Exaggerates potential dangers of ordinary situations
• Restricted lifestyle
• Marginal somatic symptoms or other problems may become the reason for avoiding new activities

Question 5

Associated features

Answer 5

• Often vigilantly appraise the movement and expression of those around
• Fear of reacting to criticism by blushing or crying
• Low self esteem and hypersensitivity to rejection (restricted interpersonal contacts)
• Isolated and not a large support network that can help
• desire for affection and acceptance
• Depressive, bipolar, and anxiety dxs are commonly diagnosed with avoidant PD, especially social anxiety dxs (social phobia)
• Avoidant PD is often diagnosed with dependent PD, as well with bipolar PD, and the Cluster A PDs

Question 6

Prevalence and gender

Answer 6

• 2.5% prevalence
• Equally frequent inn males and females

Question 7

Developmental and course

Answer 7

• Start in infancy or childhood with shyness, isolation, fear of strangers and new situations. People who develop avoidant PD may become increasingly shy and avoidant during adolescence and early adulthood
• Becomes less evident or remits with age

Question 8

Differential diagnosis

Answer 8

• Anxiety disorders
  
  • Avoidant PD and social anxiety disorder both involve fear of rejection and social situations
  • Avoidant PD and agoraphobia can both include avoidance behaviors and may co-occur
• Avoidant and depedent PD are characterized by feelings of inadequancy, hypersensitivity to criticism, and need for reassurance
  
  • Avoidant PD: avoids ppl out of fear of embarrasment or rejection, while Dependent PD fears being alone and wants to be cared for
• Schizoid and Schizotypal PD: all may seem socially withdrawn
  
  • Avoidant PD; wants relationships but fears rejection
  • Schizoid/Schizotypal: prefers being alone or feels detached from others
• Paranoid PD: both hesitate to trust others
  
  • Avoidant: fears embarrasment or being judged
  • Paranoid: fears other will harm or betray them