High Functioning Avoidant Personality Disorder Guide

High functioning avoidant personality disorder (also known as AVPD) is a relatively common personality disorder. It can be difficult to identify, but there are a number of ways to find potential high functioning AVPD. Symptoms often look like depression symptoms or isolation. 

Like many mental health and behavioral issues, AVPD happens on a spectrum. Some people with it may seem to get on relatively “normally” when actually they are struggling with their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. This is why many disorders can be described as high functioning. We’re here to discuss what high functioning AVPD can look like and how to get help for it.

Related Article: Mood Disorders vs. Personality Disorders 

What is High Functioning AVPD?

High functioning AVPD is associated with feeling and acting negatively or discouraged by many situations. Those who have AVPD purposely block themselves off from friends and family. They may  have difficulty interacting and connecting to others, coming off as shy or even rude.

Internally, those with AVPD often worry about others’ perceptions of them and feel anxious about their actions or words. It can look similar to social anxiety disorder. However the source of their behavior is different. AVPD is generally ruled by low self-esteem while social anxiety disorder is generally ruled by a fear of judgment.

Those with severe AVPD often isolate themselves, completely avoid social situations, and even reject many interpersonal relationships. As the name may suggest, those with high functioning AVPD have an easier time in social situations than those with a severe diagnosis of AVPD. They are able to tolerate a certain level of social interactions, or specific types of interactions.

What Causes Avoidant Personality Disorder?

Researchers are still working to understand what causes high functioning AVPD. However, they have discovered some correlations and patterns that may play a part. 

One possible factor includes childhood abuse or neglect. In addition to potentially causing complex trauma, childhood abuse seems to be at the root of many different types of personality disorders.

Like many other mental health disorders, AVPD also seems to have a genetic factor. It’s more likely for a person to develop AVPD if they have a family member who is diagnosed with it. 

Symptoms of High Functioning Avoidant Personality Disorder

The symptoms of high functioning AVPD can be subtle. The three main criteria professionals use to diagnose all levels of AVPD are:

• Low self-confidence
• Self-isolation
• Hypersensitivity  

Even though someone with high functioning AVPD may show mild symptoms, a health professional can still diagnose them. 

Low Self-Confidence

Once again, the root of AVPD lies in a lack of self-confidence and self-esteem. When assessing a client for AVPD, a doctor may ask questions about certain behaviors such as:

• Negative self-talk
• Self-doubt
• Comparing themselves to others
• Avoiding certain situations because they don’t feel good enough

One study found that low self-esteem can lead to aggressive behaviors. While those with high functioning AVPD may not externalize their self-image issues as much as someone with a more severe condition, it’s still a trait that professionals look out for.

Self-Isolation

Self-isolation often looks like someone not leaving their house, or not doing much that requires interacting with others—for example, ordering food over an app instead of going to the store. Another way it manifests is through a lack of deeper relationships. 

Most people who struggle with high functioning AVPD don’t actually want to be alone, but their low self-esteem makes them afraid of rejection or embarrassing themselves. 

Hypersensitivity

Those with AVPD are often extra sensitive to criticism. They might even perceive an innocent remark as a slight against them. This hypersensitivity is often related to low self-confidence—their view of themselves is so low that they believe anything said about them is worse than it really is. 

Treatments for Avoidant Personality Disorder

Although AVPD can last a lifetime, but not always. Like with many other personality disorders or any number of mental health issues, symptoms can improve with dedicated treatment. These are the most common ways to improve high functioning AVPD.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for a number of mental health issues, including high functioning AVPD. It helps clients connect their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. In terms of AVPD, they may learn how to improve their self-worth, which will in turn help them explore more social interactions. 

Medication

Therapy is often more effective when paired with medication. Those with high functioning AVPD might not need both, but that discussion is for them and their doctor. 

AVPD manifests with anxiety-like symptoms and behaviors. Since no medication currently exists that treats AVPD, doctors often use anxiety medications or antidepressants to help with AVPD symptoms. These are usually selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

Mindfulness Practices

Practicing mindfulness exercises helps those with high functioning AVPD ground themselves and bring their thoughts back to reality if they are spiraling. Being aware of physical sensations and what’s around can help a person regain some control and understanding. 

Some examples of mindfulness are stretching, intentional breathing, and meditative exercises. Read more about mindful breathing exercises and mindful movement exercises.

AVPD Help at Sequoia Behavioral Health

Just because you are considered high functioning doesn’t mean that you’re living exactly the life you want to live. Those with AVPD face challenges that many don’t understand, no matter the severity of their diagnosis.

Located in Mesa AZ, Sequoia Behavioral Health specializes in treating mental health, behavioral, and personality disorders. Our treatment programming includes a wide range of holistic therapies, including mindful cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). Contact us today to get started.