Avoidant Personality Disorder: Why You Think You’re Better Off Alone

Are you constantly craving connection but terrified of rejection? Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD) goes beyond typical shyness or introversion—it can keep you trapped in a cycle of loneliness and an intense fear of judgment.

In this video, we explore the distinct symptoms of AvPD, how it heavily overlaps with social anxiety, and why someone might desperately want friends but actively avoid them. We discuss how this pervasive pattern develops, the role of a negative cognitive bias, and the practical steps and therapies (like CBT and Schema Therapy) that can help you finally build meaningful, lasting relationships.

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🎙️ EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 What is Avoidant Personality Disorder?

04:08 The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for AVPD

10:08 What makes AVPD a personality disorder rather than just a preference?

16:50 Social Anxiety vs. Avoidant Personality Disorder

23:56 Avoidant Personality Disorder vs. Avoidant Attachment

27:08 Why we automatically assume people won't like us