OPS is characterized by extreme shyness and excessive fear of rejection, humiliation, or criticism. Many people find it scary to speak to someone or feel insecure in unfamiliar situations. When this fear becomes so extreme that a person withdraws completely and does not participate in anything, he or she may have an avoidant or avoidant personality disorder.
Characteristics
According to the DSM, someone has an avoidant personality disorder when they meet four or more of the following criteria.
- Extreme fear of criticism, disapproval or rejection (avoids situations that involve personal contact)
- Fear of rejection (difficulty making contact)
- Fear of humiliation (avoiding intimate relationships)
- Extremely shy
- Distorted self-image (finds oneself unattractive, inferior or socially inept
- Fear of falling short and therefore avoids new situations and/or activities
- Fear of losing face
General
It is estimated that OPS affects 1 to 10 percent of the population. Someone with an avoidant personality wants to have social contacts, but is so afraid of being ridiculed or made fun of that they do everything they can not to stand out. In general they are quite colorless, silent wallflowers. Because they often think that others reject them for whatever reason, they tend to avoid more and more social contacts, with the result that the disorder becomes worse over time. Because contact with a care provider is also experienced as threatening, they have a lot of difficulty taking that step. Once established, the person with OPS will want to keep contact as superficial as possible out of shame and inhibition.
Relationships with other people
People with OPS are so shy that they have difficulty making contact. Their poor self-image gives them the feeling that others think very negatively about them, which can make them appear very anxious. They are so afraid of being rejected that they drop out in advance. They are often very lonely people.
Relationship with a partner
An avoidant personality is unlikely to start a relationship unless it is very clear that the feelings are mutual. Once in a relationship, the person with OPS will avoid all conflicts and, if necessary, allow himself or herself to be treated as if necessary to continue to please the other person. This is an ideal situation for a partner who wants to abuse this.
SPS compared to other personality disorders
Dependent Personality Disorder (APD)
- OPS: avoids people and new situations
- APS: excessively seeks support from others
- Similarity: very low self-confidence, fear of rejection
Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD)
- OPS: difficult contact due to fear of rejection
- SPS: no need for contacts
- Similarity: little contact with others and isolated living (53% of people with OPS also have SPS)
Schizotypal Personality Disorder (STPS)
- OPS: Exaggerated fear of rejection
- STPS: failure to reduce social anxiety, often in combination with paranoid anxiety
- Similarity: little contact with others
Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD)
- OPS: extremely shy
- PPP: difficult contact due to distrust
- Similarity: problems with social contacts