Examples of avoidant personality disorder

Avoidant Personality Disorder - Mental Health Disorders

Mark Zimmerman

, MD, Rhode Island Hospital

Full review/revision May 2021 | Modified Sep 2022

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Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by avoiding social situations or interactions that involve risk of rejection, criticism, or humiliation.

People with avoidant personality disorder are afraid of being rejected, criticized, or embarrassed and thus avoid situations where they may experience such reactions.
Doctors diagnose avoidant personality disorder based on specific symptoms, such as avoiding situations that involve interpersonal contact because of fear of rejection and disapproval or feelings of being socially incompetent, unappealing, or inferior to others.
People with this disorder may benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy, other psychotherapies, and antianxiety drugs and antidepressants.

Personality disorders Overview of Personality Disorders Personality disorders are long-lasting, pervasive patterns of thinking, perceiving, reacting, and relating that cause the person significant distress and/or impair the person's ability to function... read more are long-lasting, pervasive patterns of thinking, perceiving, reacting, and relating that cause the person significant distress and/or impair the person's ability to function.

People with avoidant personality disorder feel inadequate. They manage these feelings by avoiding situations in which they may be evaluated negatively.

Avoidant personality disorder occurs in over 2% of the general population in the United States. It affects men and women equally.

Other disorders are also often present. They include one or more of the following:

Major depressive disorder Major depressive disorder A short discussion of prolonged grief disorder. Depression is a feeling of sadness and/or a decreased interest or pleasure in activities that becomes a disorder when it is intense enough to... read more or persistent depressive disorder Persistent depressive disorder A short discussion of prolonged grief disorder. Depression is a feeling of sadness and/or a decreased interest or pleasure in activities that becomes a disorder when it is intense enough to... read more
Obsessive-compulsive disorder Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by obsessions, compulsions, or both. Obsessions are recurring, persistent, unwanted, anxiety-provoking, intrusive ideas, images, or urges. Compulsions... read more
An anxiety disorder Overview of Anxiety Disorders Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness, worry, or unease that is a normal human experience. It is also present in a wide range of psychiatric disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder,. .. read more , such as panic disorder, particularly social phobia Social Phobia Social phobia is fear or anxiety about certain social or performance situations. These situations are often avoided or endured with much distress. Humans are social animals, and their ability... read more (social anxiety disorder)
Another personality disorder (such as dependent Dependent Personality Disorder Dependent personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive, excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissiveness and clinging behaviors. People with dependent personality disorder... read more or borderline Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Borderline personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in relationships, self-image, moods, and behavior and hypersensitivity to possible rejection and abandonment... read more )

People who have social phobia and avoidant personality disorder have more severe symptoms and are more disabled than those who have only one of the disorders.

Genes and environmental factors may contribute to the development of avoidant personality disorder. For example, people may have an inborn anxiety in social situations, and/or they may experience rejection and marginalization during childhood. Avoidance in social situations has been observed in children as young as about 2 years old.

People with avoidant personality disorder avoid social interaction, even at work, because they fear that they will be criticized or rejected or that people will disapprove of them. For example, they may do the following:

They may refuse a promotion because they fear coworkers will criticize them.
They may avoid meetings.
They may avoid making new friends unless they are sure they will be liked.

People with this disorder assume others will be critical and disapproving until there is clear-cut, indisputable proof to the contrary. Thus, before joining a group and forming a close relationship, people with this disorder require repeated assurances of support and uncritical acceptance.

People with avoidant personality disorder are reluctant to talk about themselves lest they be mocked or humiliated.

People with this disorder are very reluctant to take risks or participate in new activities for similar reasons. In such cases, they tend to exaggerate the dangers and use minimal symptoms or other problems to explain why they are not participating. They may prefer a limited lifestyle because of their need for security and certainty.

People with avoidant personality disorder are very sensitive to anything critical, disapproving, or mocking because they constantly think about being criticized or rejected by others. They are vigilant for any sign of a negative response to them. Their tense, anxious appearance may elicit mockery or teasing, thus seeming to confirm their self-doubts.

Low self-esteem and a sense of inadequacy inhibit these people in social situations, especially new ones. They hold back in interactions with new people because they think of themselves as socially inept, unappealing, and inferior to others. They tend to be quiet and timid because they tend to think that if they say anything, others will say it is wrong.

People with avoidant personality disorder long for social interaction but fear placing their well-being in the hands of others. Because these people with avoidant personality limit their interactions with others, they tend to be relatively isolated and to lack a social network that could help them when they need it.

Doctors usually diagnose personality disorders based on criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5 Classification and Diagnosis of Mental Illness In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association published the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III), marking the first attempt to approach the diagnosis... read more ), published by the American Psychiatric Association.

For doctors to diagnose avoidant personality disorder, people must persistently avoid social contact, feel inadequate, and be hypersensitive to criticism and rejection, as shown by at least four of the following:

They avoid job-related activities that involve interpersonal contact because they fear that they will be criticized or rejected or that people will disapprove of them.
They are unwilling to get involved with people unless they are sure of being liked.
They are reserved in close relationships because they are afraid of being ridiculed or humiliated.
They are preoccupied with being criticized or rejected in social situations.
They are inhibited in new social situations because they feel inadequate.
They view themselves as socially incompetent, unappealing, or inferior to others.
They are reluctant to take risks or participate in any new activity because they may be embarrassed.

Also, symptoms must have begun by early adulthood.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on social skills
Other types of psychotherapy
Antianxiety drugs and antidepressants

General treatment Treatment Personality disorders are long-lasting, pervasive patterns of thinking, perceiving, reacting, and relating that cause the person significant distress and/or impair the person's ability to function. .. read more of avoidant personality disorder is similar to that for all personality disorders.

People with avoidant personality disorder may avoid treatment.

If people have social phobia and avoidant personality disorder, the following treatments can be effective:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy Psychotherapy Extraordinary advances have been made in the treatment of mental illness. As a result, many mental health disorders can now be treated nearly as successfully as physical disorders. Most treatment... read more that focuses on acquiring social skills, done in groups
Other group therapies if the group consists of other people with the same difficulties

People with avoidant personality disorder benefit from

Psychodynamic psychotherapy Psychodynamic psychotherapy Extraordinary advances have been made in the treatment of mental illness. As a result, many mental health disorders can now be treated nearly as successfully as physical disorders. Most treatment... read more may be helpful. This type of psychotherapy focuses on underlying conflicts.

Antidepressants Drug therapy for depression A short discussion of prolonged grief disorder. Depression is a feeling of sadness and/or a decreased interest or pleasure in activities that becomes a disorder when it is intense enough to... read more , such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and antianxiety drugs Drugs Used to Treat Anxiety Disorders can help reduce anxiety enough to enable people to manage new social situations.

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Avoidant Personality Disorder: Symptoms, Treatments, and Complications

Written by Susan Quilty

Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by feelings of extreme social inhibition, inadequacy, and sensitivity to negative criticism and rejection. Yet the symptoms involve more than simply being shy or socially awkward. Avoidant personality disorder causes significant problems that affect the ability to interact with others and maintain relationships in day-to-day life. About 1% of the general population has avoidant personality disorder.

Avoidant Personality Disorder Symptoms

Avoidant personality disorder symptoms include a variety of behaviors, such as:

Avoiding work, social, or school activities for fear of criticism or rejection. It may feel as if you are frequently unwelcome in social situations, even when that is not the case. This is because people with avoidant personality disorder have a low threshold for criticism and often imagine themselves to be inferior to others.
Low self-esteem
Self-isolation

When in social situations, a person with avoidant personality disorder may be afraid to speak up for fear of saying the wrong thing, blushing, stammering, or otherwise getting embarrassed. You may also spend a great deal of time anxiously studying those around you for signs of approval or rejection.

A person who has an avoidant personality disorder is aware of being uncomfortable in social situations and often feels socially inept. Despite this self-awareness, comments by others about your shyness or nervousness in social settings may feel like criticism or rejection. This is especially true if you are teased, even in a good-natured way, about your avoidance of social situations.

Social Impact of Avoidant Personality Disorder

Avoidant personality disorder causes a fear of rejection that often makes it difficult to connect with other people. You may be hesitant to seek out friendships, unless you are certain that the other person will like you. When you are involved in a relationship, you may be afraid to share personal information or talk about your feelings. This can make it difficult to maintain intimate relationships or close friendships.

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a person diagnosed with avoidant personality disorder needs to show at least four of the following criteria:

Avoids occupational activities that involve significant interpersonal contact, because of fears of criticism, disapproval, or rejection.
Is unwilling to get involved with people unless they are 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.

Avoidant behavior may commonly be seen in children or adolescents, but a diagnosis of a personality disorder cannot be made in childhood because shyness, fear of strangers, social awkwardness, or being sensitive to criticism are often a normal part of child and adolescent development.

A mental health professional can assess your symptoms, make an accurate diagnosis, and suggest the appropriate treatment options.

Avoidant Personality Disorder Treatments

As with other personality disorders, a mental health professional will design a treatment plan that is appropriate for you. Avoidant personality disorder treatments vary, but they will likely include talk therapy. If a co-existing condition, such as depression or anxiety disorder, is also diagnosed, appropriate medications may also be used.

Avoidant Personality Disorder and Other Conditions

Other mental health disorders can occur along with avoidant personality disorder. Treatments in these cases will be designed to help with the symptoms of each disorder. A few of the conditions that most frequently occur with avoidant personality disorder include:

Social phobia, in which a person experiences overwhelming anxiety and self-consciousness in common social situations.
Dependent personality disorder, in which people rely excessively on others for advice or to make decisions for them.
Borderline personality disorder, in which people have difficulties in many areas including social relationships, behavior, mood, and self-image.

Many avoidant personality disorder symptoms are commonly shared among these other conditions, particularly in the case of generalized social phobia. Because of this, the disorders can be easily confused. It may take some time for a mental health professional to make a clear diagnosis and choose the appropriate treatments for you.

Treatment of anxiety avoidant personality disorder at the Allianz Center for Medical Health

Personality disorders (outdated "psychopathy") are a special personality type or behavioral manifestations characterized by a significant deviation from sociocultural norms and possessing inherent features:

influence on all spheres of life;
stability and invariability of their manifestation in time;
as a result of their influence, persistent social maladjustment is formed. nine0006

Anxious (avoidant) personality disorder is one of the types of personality disorder, characterized by a pronounced desire to avoid social interaction due to the fear of extremely painful emotional experiences associated with the likelihood of being rejected (humiliated) by other people.

Symptoms of anxiety disorder personality

Significant onset of symptoms of anxiety disorder begins in late childhood or adolescence. It is from this period that the use of this diagnosis is legitimate. For an earlier age, the concept of "accentuation of character" is used. nine0003

People with an anxious (avoidant) personality disorder are characterized by emotional hypersensitivity to negative assessments and any criticism from others. They have a strong belief that their personality is unattractive, and they themselves are flawed. As a result, 2 characteristic behavioral patterns are formed:

First behavior pattern

The desire for complete and strict self-control, combined with constant monitoring of the responses of other people to their actions. nine0003

A person with an anxiety disorder craves communication, but considers his personality unattractive, so he spends all his attention on trying to create an image of himself that is pleasant or at least acceptable in the eyes of others. In parallel, he constantly tries to "count" the response to this image in order to understand whether he succeeded in achieving the goal. This process requires huge mental energy costs, because of this it becomes very difficult for him to directly respond to what is happening, to actively participate in social interaction. As a result, a second characteristic behavioral pattern emerges. nine0003

Second behavior pattern

Stiffness, excessive shyness, isolation in communication.

Such a person may be slow in answering questions, misunderstand the essence of what was said, and interpret what is happening in a distorted way. Indeed, there is an impression of reduced ability to communicate, which is perceived as reinforcing ideas about oneself as an inferior unattractive person, thus closing the circle of negative self-perception. nine0003

As a result of this "vicious circle" of distorted conclusions, there is a desire to protect oneself from a traumatic situation. This is how the desire to avoid social contacts, which is characteristic of this disorder, is formed, while at the same time a hidden desire for them. People with avoidant disorder often say that they feel alienated from society, and that they feel individualistic and "loners".

Diagnostic criteria

The first necessary condition for the diagnosis is the appropriate age. Common diagnostic criteria for a personality disorder are required. And finally, the presence of three or more specific symptoms of an anxious personality disorder: nine0003

persistent general feeling of tension, anxiety, bad forebodings;
confidence in one's social inadequacy, unattractiveness of one's personality; depreciation of one's own importance in comparison with other people;
hypersensitivity to criticism addressed to oneself, fear of being rejected in situations of social interaction;
unwillingness to enter into relationships without guarantees of being liked;
limited lifestyle due to the need for physical security; nine0006
avoidance of social or professional activities associated with significant interpersonal contacts due to fear of criticism, disapproval or rejection.

Causes

There is no unambiguous opinion about the causes of this disorder today. It is believed that the formation of anxiety (avoidant) personality disorder is influenced by genetic, psychological and social factors. Features of temperament that have a hereditary basis, as well as character accentuation, are undoubtedly a predisposing factor. nine0003

The situation of chronic stress in childhood in the form of constant criticism and rejection from parents with age can develop into this personality disorder as a way of psychological protection from emotionally painful situations of rejection.

Treatment

Psychotherapy plays a leading role in the treatment of anxiety disorder. Drug treatment is additional, it is not used in all cases and only for special indications. nine0003

Cognitive and behavioral psychotherapy, as well as their combination, are very effective, giving quick and significant results. In the course of individual psychotherapy, a psychotherapist identifies maladaptive attitudes and behavioral stereotypes; helps to create new, more adaptive patterns of thinking and behavior and learn the desired social skills based on them.

At later stages, it is effective to connect group psychotherapy to train and consolidate new communication skills. nine0003

One of the indicators of successful psychotherapy is the transformation of the patient's thinking, replacing his exaggerated negative ideas about himself with more positive ones.

The mental health center "Alliance" employs experienced psychotherapists who have effective methods for diagnosing and treating anxiety personality disorder. After just a few therapy sessions, patients notice a significant improvement in social interaction skills, an increase in self-esteem and quality of life. nine0003

In people with anxious personality disorder, behind the outward avoidance of communication lies a strong desire for comfortable, safe relationships and social contacts. The constant struggle between the desire for intimacy and the fear of being rejected leads to isolation, impoverishment of life experience, and social maladaptation. Thanks to modern methods of psychotherapy, these problems are solved in the shortest possible time and the basis for further personal growth and social development is created.

Anxious personality disorder - symptoms, causes, stages

Anxious personality disorder is a disorder in which a person is characterized by isolation, feelings of inferiority, asociality, avoidance of communication with others because of fear of being criticized. Often associated with symptoms of other anxiety spectrum disorders.

The disease most often occurs in people aged 15 to 35 years.

Disease definition

The most common types of disorder are anxiety avoidant personality disorder and phobic disorders. Such a state is characterized by a feeling of anxiety - anxiety of ongoing events and fear - a reaction to what is happening. nine0003

Anxiety is an individual feature of a person, therefore it does not manifest itself in everyone. A person with increased anxiety tends to worry about every trifle.

The condition can be diagnosed if its symptoms appear for six months and significantly worsen the quality of a person’s life. Among the physical disorders that can lead to such disorders are hyperthyroidism, ischemia, caffeine, alcohol and drug addiction (from cannabis), and drug withdrawal symptoms. nine0003

The ICD-10 code for avoidant personality disorder is F60.6. In order to make this diagnosis, the patient must have the following behavioral symptoms (at least 4):

Constant tension and anxiety.
Low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy.
Increased suspiciousness and a feeling of criticism from others.
Communication only with those people who, in the opinion of the patient, like him. nine0006
Avoiding active interpersonal contact for fear of criticism.

Another type of disorder is distinguished - anxious depressive personality disorder, in which the patient equally has symptoms of both anxiety and depression, however, individually they are not so pronounced as to diagnose the disorder. Such a diagnosis should be made only by an experienced doctor, with an appeal to which one cannot delay. This type of disease often causes suicidal thoughts, which many patients translate into reality. nine0003

Symptoms and signs of anxiety disorder

Symptoms of an anxious personality disorder manifest themselves in childhood, when the child is shy, fearful, afraid to meet people, go to the blackboard, be the center of attention. Closer to adolescence, the symptoms become more pronounced. Such people do not have many friends, they avoid social events, preferring to spend time alone with books or a computer. Patients with anxiety disorder distance themselves from others, fearing criticism and disapproval, worry about any minor trifles. nine0003

In the future, such patients do not develop a career because of their awkwardness and inexperience in relationships. They prefer quiet, inconspicuous work, in which they do not have to manage people and speak in public.

Internal tension does not allow them to communicate with others. From the outside, they seem ridiculous, closed, strange and even arrogant, which often causes negativity in the interlocutor. Such a condition prevents the patient from turning even to a psychologist. If it seems to him that the doctor does not approve of his behavior or does not accept, then the patient may abruptly interrupt therapy and close even more. Therefore, it is so important that the specialist is qualified and has experience working with such patients. nine0003

Signs of an anxious personality disorder may be accompanied by tachycardia, abdominal pain, excessive sweating, migraine, dizziness, stool disturbance, and muscle pain.

Among the symptoms that can give out an anxiety disorder are the following:

The problem is concentration.
Insomnia.
Lack of energy.
Nervous state.
Feeling of anxiety.
Tearfulness. nine0006
Pessimistic mood.
Low self-esteem, a tendency to belittle.
Excessive tension in all aspects.
Decreased mood, apathy.

It can be difficult to diagnose the disorder due to concomitant somatic diseases - digestive disorders, headaches, and so on. Often, therapists, without revealing a somatic pathology, diagnose vegetovascular dystonia, which completely deprives the patient of the opportunity to visit a psychotherapist or psychiatrist, since the disorder is mental in nature. According to statistics, only 1/3 of patients reach these doctors, the rest are treated for somatic manifestations of an anxiety disorder. Therefore, it is so important to contact a specialized clinic, where highly specialized doctors work, who can establish an accurate diagnosis. nine0003

Causes of disease manifestation

The causes of anxiety disorder are not fully understood by experts. It is assumed that the basis of the disease is hereditary predisposition, character trait and temperament, as well as the style of education in the family. At a younger age, a person is shy, shy, withdrawn, it is difficult for him to get used to everything new. Although, in some cases, these signs are not direct indicators of the presence of an anxiety state. The timidity of a child is a natural stage in the development of his psyche, which, as he grows up, disappears without a trace. nine0003

Sometimes an anxiety disorder manifests itself in conditions of constant criticism from others, rejection and rejection of society. The atmosphere in the family also plays a significant role.

The pathogenesis of anxiety personality disorder lies in the biological aspect. Low levels of GABA and neurotransmitters that reduce the activity of the central nervous system provoke feelings of anxiety. The amygdala plays a significant role in the processing of fear. Violation of its performance, also, can lead to an alarming state. nine0003

Stages of anxiety disorder

There are 3 main stages of anxiety:

Anxiety stage. On it, a person does not realize the presence of this disorder in himself, takes it for suspiciousness. The patient regularly experiences anxiety, however, does not find anything wrong with this. In this state, a person can be a long time, until the end of life.
In some cases, the first stage smoothly passes into the second. Anxiety is growing, fear is already beginning to manifest itself physically - fever, chills, muscle tension, tachycardia, dizziness, weakness, nausea, loss of a sense of reality. Symptoms manifest themselves at first in a stressful situation, and then in everyday life. The second stage is accompanied by recurrent symptoms in a normal situation and increased anxiety during the day. The person is aware of his anxiety. It can be reduced at this stage by getting rid of negative emotions, using relaxation methods, and forming the right lifestyle. nine0006
In the third stage, panic attacks join the feeling of anxiety, which can be both episodic in nature and accompany a person constantly. The patient also has difficulty sleeping and eating.

If a person has been at this stage for more than 2 years, then it gradually develops into the last stage and becomes a stable state for him. At this stage, you will need not only psychotherapy, but also medication. However, even at stage 1, a consultation with a psychotherapist is required, which will help either exclude or establish a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder, prescribe an effective treatment so that the disease does not develop further. nine0003

Types of anxiety disorder

Experts identify 9 main types of anxiety personality disorder.

Generalized anxiety disorder is the most common subtype of AD. Patients with this diagnosis feel constant anxiety throughout the day, worry about any household trifles.

To make such a diagnosis, the patient must have at least 3 signs of the disease: anxiety, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, muscle tension, impaired concentration. The most common type of generalized anxiety disorder occurs in older people. Often, anxiety is a consequence of another disease, or occurs as a result of the use of narcotic and psychotropic substances. Outwardly, a person looks tense, he has hyperhidrosis, tearfulness, a depressive state are manifested. nine0003

Phobias. This type of anxiety combines fears and anxieties associated with a particular situation. Phobias are observed in 10% of the population worldwide. The patient is terrified of the upcoming object that causes negative events in him - a place or an animal.

Among the most common phobias are the fear of flying in airplanes, the sight of blood, water, heights, darkness, closed spaces, reptiles and spiders. A person is fettered by fear, the heartbeat quickens, he experiences trembling and shortness of breath at the sight of what causes horror in him. As a rule, it is impossible to overcome a phobia in a person on his own. nine0003

Panic attacks. When they occur, a person experiences brief bouts of fear and anxiety, often accompanied by tremors in the body, dizziness, nausea, or difficulty breathing. Already 10 minutes after the start, they reach their peak and can last several hours. In order to be diagnosed with panic disorder, it must have chronic consequences: fear of future attacks, changes in behavior, heart palpitations. By the way, patients often confuse the latter sign with heart problems, the thought of which can cause a second panic attack. nine0006
Agoraphobia. Another type of anxiety disorder in which people are afraid of public places and open spaces. Agoraphobia is closely related to panic disorder and is often the result of its manifestation.

Sometimes the term is used to refer to avoidance behavior after a panic attack. For example, if after the next attack a person is afraid to drive a car, then he will continue to avoid doing it. Such behavior is a direct path to even greater fear. nine0003

Social anxiety disorder or social phobia usually occurs under certain circumstances, such as before public speaking. The person is embarrassed, fearful and humiliated. The disorder can manifest itself physically: redness, sweating, difficulty speaking. People experiencing social phobia try to avoid the source of anxiety, which often leads to complete social isolation.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of a negative event: from rape to a natural disaster. It occurs as a result of prolonged stress and is accompanied by sleep disturbance. nine0006
Situational anxiety arising from a change in environment and changing events that makes a person uncomfortable. This type of disorder is common among a certain type of people. They may experience anxiety in crowds, dark spaces, shops, and other public places. Often this anxiety leads to panic attacks.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition of obsessions, thoughts, images and repeated performance of certain actions (rituals). OCD causes feelings of anxiety and impaired socialization. A person realizes the unreasonableness of his actions and tries to fight thoughts and behavior. nine0006
selective mutism. Another type of disorder that occurs in people who are shy and have social anxiety. The disorder is manifested by the silence of a person who is able to talk, in certain situations and with certain people.

Sequelae of anxiety disorder

Anxiety should not be left unattended. Their diagnosis, treatment and control are best entrusted to competent doctors in a specialized clinic. Among the socio-psychological complications of TR can be identified: sleep disturbance, low self-esteem, accompanying feelings of hopelessness, social isolation. Lack of energy and depressed mood do not allow a person to actively develop and change under the realities of our time. Job loss, financial difficulties, family breakup can be the consequences of such conditions and further aggravate the condition. Often, anxiety provokes the onset of depression - a condition fraught with suicidal thoughts and attempts to carry it out. nine0003

Feelings of anxiety also arise as a result of the use of drugs, alcohol or nicotine.

Complications of anxiety personality disorder are also physical in nature. The patient experiences pain in the intestines, heartburn, problems with stools, insomnia, migraine. Often, the disorder is accompanied by a loss of sexual interest in a partner and fluctuations in weight, a decrease in immunity and white blood cells. According to researchers, stress can also trigger the appearance of allergies and autoimmune diseases. nine0003

A constant feeling of anxiety, restlessness and insecurity is a clear sign to contact an experienced psychiatrist. Sometimes patients, due to their individual characteristics and due to illness, cannot do this. Relatives should take on this role, gently and tactfully point out to a loved one the presence of the disease. The specialist will help to overcome psycho-emotional dependence and restore strength.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of anxiety disorder is difficult due to the lack of specific biomarkers. In order to detect anxiety symptoms, the specialist conducts a conversation with the patient and special psychological testing using the Beck Anxiety Scale, the Tsung Self-Assessment Anxiety Scale, and the Taylor Anxiety Scale. nine0003

The criteria for making a diagnosis are the following persistent signs that haunt the patient for a long time:

social awkwardness;
belittling one's own value;
internal tension;
restriction in social communication for fear of criticism and disapproval.⁠

The treatment of this disorder is carried out by a psychotherapist who, if necessary, will prescribe a consultation with a psychiatrist. Anxiety disorders sometimes occur along with depression, while sharing the same symptomatology. nine0003

According to studies, anxiety disorders often occur in those people whose relatives have also been diagnosed with such a diagnosis. The disorder is sometimes accompanied by a sexual disorder or arises from a common mass of causes. This is especially true in patients with panic disorder.

When making a diagnosis, first of all, it is necessary to exclude a medical pathology with similar symptoms:

endocrine diseases;
metabolic dysfunction; nine0006
deficiency of vitamin D and folic acid;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, blood and heart;
dementia, sclerosis and other brain diseases.

Treatment for anxiety disorder

The goal of treatment is to reduce the level of anxiety and improve the quality of life of the patient. The doctor, with the help of special psychoanalytic techniques, helps a person to realize the presence of a disorder and understand the reasons that prompted him.

Some of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorder symptoms include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy, which aims to change the patient's thinking and behavior. A psychotherapist in the course of therapy helps a person not only to detect this disorder and identify its causes, but also to form new thinking, teach how to communicate with people and form adaptive patterns of behavior.
Family therapy. The family plays a significant role in the treatment of any mental illness, especially when it comes to a child or adolescent. Family therapy is aimed at identifying problems in the family and methods of dealing with them, eliminating negative factors that contribute to the development of an anxiety disorder. nine0006
Medical therapy. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants and benzodiazepines, psychoactive drugs that have sedative and sedative effects.

In no case should you use drugs on your own. They are selected individually and only as prescribed by a doctor, after a thorough examination and identification of symptoms of an anxiety disorder.

+7 (495) 121-48-31

Prevention of Anxiety Personality Disorder

With anxiety attacks, the patient should try to cope on their own. To do this, you can perform certain breathing exercises, belly breathing, nostril breathing techniques and mindfulness "here and now" techniques. nine0003

Among the main recommendations of an anxious personality disorder is a change in the patient's lifestyle. This is a set of measures aimed at eliminating negative factors that provoke anxiety: