An extensive avoidance of social interaction, avoidant personality disorder is usually driven by fears of rejection, feelings of personal inaqduacy, and sensitivity to rejection or criticism.

While diagnosis must be determined with a psychological evaluation by a professional, common symptoms include:

• Avoidance of activities at work that involve interpersonal contact due to fear of criticism or rejection

• Unwillingness to interact with others unless certain they will receive a positive response

• Hesitancy in intimate relationships due to fear of shame

• Preoccupation with criticism in social situations

• Feeling inadequate and being inhibited in new social situations

• Perception of self as inept, unappealing, and inferior

• Reluctance to take risks or engage in activities that might result in embarrassment