Avoidant Personality Disorder: Why You Think You’re Better Off Alone

Are you constantly craving connection but terrified of rejection? Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD) goes beyond typical shyness or introversion—it can keep you trapped in a cycle of loneliness and an intense fear of judgment. In this video, we explore the distinct symptoms of AvPD, how it heavily overlaps with social anxiety, and why someone might desperately want friends but actively avoid them. We discuss how this pervasive pattern develops, the role of a negative cognitive bias, and the practical steps and therapies (like CBT and Schema Therapy) that can help you finally build meaningful, lasting relationships. ✨ EPISODE SPONSORS OneSkin: Get 15% off scientifically backed peptide skincare with code KATI at https://oneskin.co/kati Hero Bread: Enjoy 10% off high-protein, high-fiber baked favorites with code KATI at https://hero.co 🎙️ EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 What is Avoidant Personality Disorder? 04:08 The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for AVPD 10:08 What makes AVPD a personality disorder rather than just a preference? 16:50 Social Anxiety vs. Avoidant Personality Disorder 23:56 Avoidant Personality Disorder vs. Avoidant Attachment 27:08 Why we automatically assume people won't like us 32:16 Skipping opportunities and making your world smaller 36:49 The paradox of canceled plans and sudden loneliness 40:18 Where does Avoidant Personality Disorder come from? 46:58 The struggle of needing proof before letting people in 50:15 Is it fear of rejection or a negative cognitive bias? 54:15 Why avoidance feels safe but costs you deep connections 56:12 CBT, Exposure, and Schema Therapy for treating AVPD 1:00:18 Can you fully recover from a personality disorder? 📚 KATI'S BOOKS Why Do I Keep Doing This? https://geni.us/XoyLSQ Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY 💻 ONLINE THERAPY If you're looking for a therapist, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed online professional: https://betterhelp.com/katiEnjoy 10% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH! This is an affiliate link, which means a portion of your signup helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you. 📱 CONNECT WITH KATI Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/katimorton?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katimorton TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Substack: https://substack.com/@katimorton1 Patreon: https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices