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From the moment a person is born, his or her personality

begins to take shape. In infancy, childhood, and later

adolescence, the individual explores a multitude of behaviors.

Of all the behaviors, or personalities, the person experiences,

one of them will stick with them until the day they die.

Unfortunately, each specific personality also contain a

personality disorder. Personality disorders can result in

anxiety attacks, depression, and to a certain level, suicide.

One of the most unique personality disorders is the Avoidant

Personality Disorder.

The DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994)

describes Avoidant Personality Disorder as: a persuasive pattern

of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and

hypersensitivity to negative evaluation, beginning by early

childhood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by

four (or more) of the following traits:



1.) avoids occupational activities that involve

significant interpersonal contact because of fears of

criticism, disapproval, or rejection



2.) is unwilling to get involved with people unless

certain of being liked



3.) shows restraint within intimate relationships

because of the fear of being shamed or ridiculed



4.) is preoccupied with being criticized or rejected in

social situations



5.) is inhibited in new interpersonal situations because

of feelings of inadequacy



6.) views self as socially inept, personally unappealing,

or inferior to others



7.) is usually reluctant to take personal risks or to

engage...