What distinguishes avoidant personality disorder from social anxiety disorder?

Avoidant personality disorder is primarily characterized by pervasive social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. This pervasive pattern affects various aspects of an individual's life, leading to significant impairment in social functioning and relationships. Unlike social anxiety disorder, where anxiety is primarily linked to specific social situations, avoidant personality disorder reflects a broader, more ingrained pattern of behavior and attitudes toward social interactions.

This distinction underscores the pervasive nature of avoidant personality disorder, demonstrating how it is deeply embedded in an individual's personality and affects their self-image and relational style. Individuals with avoidant personality disorder tend to experience chronic feelings of inadequacy and fear of disapproval, leading them to withdraw from social engagements altogether. This goes beyond situational anxiety, indicating that their discomfort in social situations is more consistent and globally applied rather than restricted to specific contexts.

In contrast, social anxiety disorder may involve intense fear or anxiety in specific social scenarios, but individuals might still engage in social interactions outside of those triggering situations. Thus, the pervasive social inhibition evident in avoidant personality disorder is what truly sets it apart from social anxiety disorder.