Typical features of avoidant personality disord er are avoidance of social situations and in-
hibition in interpersonal relationships related to feelings of inep titude and inadequacy,
anxious preoccupation with negative evaluation and rejection, and fears of ridicule or em-
barrassment. Characteristic difficulties are apparent in identity, self-direction, empathy,
and/or intimacy, as described below, along wi th specific maladaptiv e traits in the do-
mains of Negative Affectivity and Detachment.
Proposed Diagnostic Criteria
A. Moderate or greater impairment in personal ity functioning, manifest by characteristic
difficulties in two or more of the following four areas:
1.Identity:  Low self-esteem associated with self-appraisal as socially inept, person-
ally unappealing, or inferior; excessive feelings of shame.
2.Self-direction:  Unrealistic standards for behavior associated with reluctance to
pursue goals, take personal risks, or engage in new activities involving interper-
sonal contact.
3.Empathy:  Preoccupation with, and sensitivity to, criticism or rejection, associated
with distorted inference of others’ perspectives as negative.
4.Intimacy:  Reluctance to get involved with people unless being certain of being
liked; diminished mutuality within intimate relationships because of fear of being
shamed or ridiculed.
B. Three or more of the following four pathological personality traits, one of which must
be (1) Anxiousness:
1.Anxiousness (an aspect of Negative Affectivity): Intense feelings of nervous-
ness, tenseness, or panic, often in reaction to social situations; worry about the
negative effects of past unpleasant experiences and future negative possibilities;