AVPD is often associated with other mental health conditions likeanxiety disorders, in particular, social anxiety disorder.
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However, they are distinct conditions that have different causes.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
However, social anxiety is driven by high levels of anxiety, while significant feelings of worthlessness cause AVPD.
While they are distinct, a person can be diagnosed with both conditions.
What Triggers Avoidant Personality Disorder?
The causes of avoidant personality disorder are thought to involve genetic, environmental, social, and psychological factors.
Unfortunately, the outlook for people with avoidant personality disorder who do not seek treatment is rather bleak.
Typically, they become self-isolated and use avoidance as their only coping strategy.
People with the condition may have few relationships and often become very isolated.
This often leads to other long-term difficulties, including problems with work and school.
People with the condition may be more likely to experience alcohol and substance use disorders.
Do people with AVPD want relationships?
Some research suggests that people with the condition long for connection but fear and dread getting close.
CBT helps people learn how to change unhelpful thinking patterns.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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National Institute of Mental Health.Personality disorders.
