Someone with an avoidant personality disorder will appear shy and timid. They may avoid people because they feel inadequate, even though they secretly wish to have company. They are very sensitive to negative judgements by others.
Those with a personality disorder have developed rigid or extreme thoughts and behaviours that they cannot control. They have trouble relating to others and are often limited in their ability to deal with daily life. Personalities normally continue to develop through teenage years so disorders are generally not diagnosed until adulthood.
To be diagnosed with APD the person must display 4 or more of the following symptoms. There is generally not much variation in the range of symptoms shown.
Those with APD: