DSM-5-TR · Cluster C
Avoidant personality disorder
A pattern of holding back from relationships or opportunities because of anticipated criticism, rejection, or embarrassment.
When fear gets in the way of connection
Someone may want to join a group they’re interested in and repeatedly decline invitations because they expect to be judged or feel inadequate. They may also pass up work opportunities that require unfamiliar interactions. Over time, missed opportunities can matter more than any one uncomfortable encounter.
Avoidant personality disorder and social anxiety
Fear of negative evaluation can occur in both, and the two can overlap. A clinician looks at how widely the fear shows up, how long it has persisted, and how it shapes someone’s view of themselves and their relationships. Wanting connection while expecting rejection can also help explain why withdrawal feels painful.
Reading your SimilarMinds score
The avoidant scale summarizes your answers on the questionnaire. A clinical assessment considers the pattern over time, the circumstances around it, and how it affects daily life.
Take the Personality Disorder Test Schizoid personality disorder