Degrees of social awkwardness or anxiety are surprisingly common – and often brushed off as “just being shy” or an introvert. But social discomfort exists on a wide spectrum, and in some cases, it can be a sign of something much deeper.
If you frequently avoid social situations – not because you don’t enjoy people, but because you’re afraid of being judged, rejected, or embarrassed – you may be dealing with something more significant, like avoidant personality disorder (AVPD).
The avoidant personality disorder test below offers a gentle way to reflect on your feelings and behaviors. It’s not an official diagnostic tool, but it can help you better identify if you’re displaying any symptoms, and whether seeking professional help might be a good next step.
We’ll also cover more about what AVPD is, how it’s diagnosed, what causes it, the most effective treatment options, and more.
What is avoidant personality disorder?
Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of inadequacy, extreme sensitivity to criticism, and an intense fear of rejection or disapproval.
People with AVPD often crave relationships and connection, yet avoid social situations and withdraw from potential interactions because of these intense fears of being judged, ridiculed, or exposed as “not good enough.”
This typically leads to patterns of chronic avoidance, emotional withdrawal, missed opportunities, and distress in many aspects of their life.
Avoidant personality disorder is much more than just shyness or social anxiety. It’s a long-standing pattern that deeply affects your sense of self and how you function in the world.
Who is this avoidant personality disorder test for?
If you’re wondering whether you have AVPD, you already know you’re experiencing emotions or behaviors that aren’t serving you. And they’re probably behaviors you would like to change.
If so, this avoidant personality disorder test is for you.
This AVPD quiz is a simple self-reflection tool. It doesn’t reflect any kind of formal diagnosis, and you don’t have to submit any kind of results.
It’s simply a way of identifying whether any of your traits or habits are suggestive of avoidant personality disorder, so you can decide what steps to take from there.
The avoidant personality disorder test
Important: This quiz is not a diagnostic tool. It’s designed to spark reflection and help you assess whether your experiences align with common traits of AVPD.
Read through the following questions and answer either “yes” or “no” to each question.
- Do you skip parties, gatherings, or even casual coffee meetups because you fear people will judge you harshly or find fault in what you say or do?
- Do you constantly feel like you’re not good enough compared to others, replaying small comments or looks in your mind, worried they mean you’ve messed up or you’ve embarrassed yourself?
- Have you held back from applying for a job, asking someone out, or trying a new hobby because you’re terrified of looking foolish or failing in front of others?
- Do you hold back your true thoughts and feelings, even with close friends or family, because you’re scared they’ll think less of you or pull away?
- Does the idea of speaking up in a group, giving a presentation, or even being noticed at an event make your heart race with fear of being exposed or ridiculed?
What your AVPD test results might mean
Count how many of the questions above you answered “yes” to:
- 0–1 “yes” answers: You may feel socially uncomfortable sometimes, but it doesn’t seem to significantly impact your life. If you’re conscious of the impact of these feelings, consider learning more about social anxiety – these are still traits and behaviors that you can improve with the right help.
- 2–3 “yes” answers: Some traits associated with AVPD might be present, which could be impacting your work, relationships, and self-esteem. Exploring this with a therapist could help bring you clarity and change.
- 4–5 “yes” answers: Your responses reflect several core traits of avoidant personality disorder, such as fear of rejection, avoidance of new experiences, and social withdrawal. These feelings can be distressing and challenging to live with, but professional support is available, and can make a big difference. Consider speaking to a licensed therapist for an assessment and guidance on your best next steps.
Remember, this quiz is a starting point, not a diagnosis. But if your answers suggest some AVPD traits, we encourage you to talk to a doctor or therapist.
Symptoms and causes of avoidant personality disorder
Like most personality disorders and mental health conditions, avoidant personality disorder exists on a spectrum, with some people exhibiting mild symptoms, and others extreme.
AVPD symptoms typically emerge by early adulthood and persist across different situations (i.e. social, work, and romantic relationships), but it’s also important to remember that there are no “fixed rules” as to the exact symptoms people might exhibit.
The most common avoidant personality disorder symptoms include:
- Intense fear of rejection or criticism
- Persistent low self-esteem
- Avoidance of social interactions
- Avoiding work or school activities that involve working in teams
- Extreme self-consciousness or shyness
- Reluctance to make new friends or form close relationships
- Constant worrying about saying or doing the wrong thing
- Avoiding new experiences due to fear of embarrassment
- Craving connection but isolating instead
The causes of avoidant personality disorder aren’t fully understood, but it is often linked to:
- Childhood experiences of abuse or emotional neglect
- Overly critical or overprotective parenting
- Experiences of bullying, shaming, or social rejection
- Genetic or temperament-based predisposition to anxiety
Many people with AVPD also struggle with co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression.
What’s the difference between AVPD and social anxiety disorder?
Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) share many overlapping features – particularly a fear of social rejection and avoidance of social situations.
However, there are important key differences:
- AVPD is more pervasive and enduring. It affects nearly all areas of a person’s life – not just social interactions – and is rooted in deep, long-standing personality patterns.
- SAD is often more situational. A person might feel anxious during public speaking or large gatherings but function well in other areas. It’s also more likely to fluctuate over time.
- AVPD often involves deeper shame. People with AVPD tend to believe they are fundamentally unworthy or unlovable.
- People with SAD often recognize their anxiety. People with SAD tend to recognize their anxiety and fears, whereas those with AVPD usually lack that same awareness.
Both conditions can have a significant impact on a person’s life, so it’s important to acknowledge and seek help in both cases. But getting the correct diagnosis is important to help shape the most effective treatment approach.
How is avoidant personality disorder diagnosed?
AVPD can only be diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional, such as a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist trained in personality disorders.
A diagnosis typically requires:
- A clinical interview and assessment of your symptoms, history, and emotional patterns.
- Meeting at least four of the DSM-5 criteria related to avoidance and self-perception (listed above).
- Significant distress or impairment caused by these symptoms.
Because AVPD symptoms overlap with other conditions – and because many people with AVPD don’t recognize their behavior or thought patterns as problematic – AVPD can be difficult to diagnose.
Friends or loved ones often help initiate the process, and it’s important to be open and honest with your doctor or therapist to enable accurate understanding and treatment planning. However, unfortunately, it’s not unusual for AVPD to go undiagnosed or be misdiagnosed as social anxiety or depression.
Avoidant personality disorder treatment options
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is the most effective treatment for avoidant personality disorder. In some cases, medication may also be helpful, but there’s no specific medication for avoidant personality disorder – instead, this will usually be an additional treatment if you’re also dealing with anxiety or depression.
Psychotherapy
One-on-one psychotherapy sessions are the cornerstone of AVPD treatment.
The goal of therapy is to help you explore the origins of your fears, shift negative beliefs, and build confidence in relationships and self-expression.
Several types of therapy can be beneficial in treating AVPD:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – CBT helps you identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, and gradually build confidence, practice social skills, and reduce avoidance behaviors in a safe, structured way.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – Originally designed for Borderline Personality Disorder, DBT’s focus on emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness can also be helpful for people with AVPD. It’s a helpful therapy for managing strong emotions, increasing self-awareness, and healing past wounds.
- Schema therapy: A blend of CBT, attachment theory, and psychodynamic concepts, this therapy helps uncover long-standing patterns developed early in life and replace them with healthier beliefs and behaviors.
- Psychodynamic therapy: This therapy explores unresolved conflicts and past experiences that shape your current fears and social patterns. It’s especially helpful for increasing self-awareness and improving relationship dynamics.
Many people benefit from a combination of these approaches, tailored to their unique experiences and situation.
Medication
There’s no specific medication to treat avoidant personality disorder. However, if you’re also experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mood-related symptoms, medication may be prescribed to help manage those conditions.
By reducing these co-occurring symptoms, medication can make it easier to engage fully in therapy and build emotional resilience.
It’s important to work with a psychiatrist or healthcare provider to find the right balance – and in most cases, medication is most effective when combined with ongoing therapy.
In all cases, treatment works best when it’s consistent. It’s normal to feel tempted to stop therapy once you feel slightly better – but lasting change comes from going deeper and giving yourself the space to grow.
Treatment for AVPD is also most effective when family members or close loved ones are involved and supportive.
What to do if you think you have avoidant personality disorder
Avoidant personality disorder can worsen over time if left untreated – especially if you withdraw further from the world around you.
One of the hardest parts of AVPD is that many people don’t recognize it in themselves. It’s often a friend, loved one, or therapist who first spots the signs.
If you’ve taken this avoidant personality disorder quiz and seen yourself in any of the descriptions – or are concerned about someone you care about – that’s an important first step. Reaching out can feel scary, but it also opens the door to feeling more connected, secure, and confident in your life and relationships.
Get help with avoidant personality disorder at Reach Behavioral Health Ohio
Avoidant personality disorder doesn’t need to define you – and it doesn’t have to hold you back from the life and relationships you want.
Whether you’re struggling with social fears, chronic self-doubt, or ongoing anxiety, therapy can help you build the skills, self-understanding, and resilience needed to move forward.
At REACH Behavioral Health Ohio, we offer compassionate, personalized therapy – online or in-person – to help you understand your experiences, work through avoidant patterns, and begin to thrive.
Contact us today to talk to our intake specialists, find out how to get started with therapy at REACH Ohio, and get started on the road to increased confidence and meaningful connections.