Is avoidant personality disorder social anxiety

Avoidant personality disorder is not social anxiety, the two belong to different psychological problems. Avoidant personality disorder is mainly characterized by long-term avoidance of social interaction, excessive sensitivity, and low self-evaluation, while social anxiety disorder usually refers to strong fear in specific social situations as the core. The core characteristic of avoidant personality disorder is an extreme fear of rejection or criticism, which leads patients to actively avoid almost all social interactions, even if they crave intimate relationships. This group of people often have profound self doubt, believing that they lack social skills, and the symptoms persist for many years and seriously affect their daily functioning. Its formation may be related to traumatic experiences such as childhood neglect and long-term devaluation, and requires long-term psychological treatment to rebuild a sense of security. Social anxiety disorder is characterized by strong anxiety about specific social situations, such as public speaking, talking to strangers, etc., but patients are usually able to maintain a small amount of intimate relationships. Symptoms are accompanied by physiological reactions such as accelerated heartbeat and sweating, and patients are aware of the irrationality of fear. Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in improving symptoms, and some patients may require short-term medication to assist in alleviating acute anxiety. If there is suspicion of avoidant personality disorder or social anxiety disorder, it is recommended to seek professional evaluation from a psychiatrist or psychological counselor. In daily life, you can try progressive exposure exercises, such as gradually adapting from low stress socializing, while cultivating mindfulness meditation habits to help alleviate anxiety. Be careful to avoid self labeling, and improving psychological problems requires a combination of professional guidance and personal effort.