Is avoidant personality disorder classed as a mental illness?
Oh my I actually have an exam on this very topic tomorrow so should know!lol. It is classed as a mental illness and appears in the DSM-IV handbook(which basically lists criteria for diagnosis of mental illnesses). It lists avoidant personality disorder as;”a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four (or more) of the following: a)Avoids occupational activities that involve significant interpersonal contact, because of fears of criticism, disapproval, or rejection b)Is unwilling to get involved with people unless certain of being liked c)Shows restraint initiating intimate relationships because of the fear of being ashamed, ridiculed, or rejected due to severe low self-worth. d)Is preoccupied with being criticized or rejected in social situations e)Is inhibited in new interpersonal situations because of feelings of inadequacy f)Views s
