Avoidant Personality Disorder
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Avoidant personality disorder is a lasting pattern of avoiding people because of feeling inadequate and fearing criticism or rejection. It affects most areas of life, not only certain situations. It can be helped with gradual, supportive therapy.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Avoidance of social activities
- Preoccupation with criticism
- Unwillingness to become involved without guaranteed acceptance
- Low self-esteem
How it is usually treated
- CBT with gradual exposure
- Schema Therapy
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Group therapy
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “I avoid people because I fear rejection”
- “I feel I am not good enough”
- “I stay away from close relationships”
- “I turn down opportunities because I fear criticism”
People who live with avoidant personality disorder may also notice social anxiety, depression or generalised anxiety. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help soon if you feel hopeless or isolated. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112 if you have thoughts of harming yourself.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist or psychologist looks at long-standing patterns across relationships and work, and checks for social anxiety and depression, which often occur alongside it.
Treatment and support
- CBT with gradual exposure to social situations
- Schema therapy or psychodynamic therapy
- Building self-esteem and assertiveness
- Group therapy when ready
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists assess and agree a gradual plan, starting with a safe and steady therapeutic relationship. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist takes time to understand long-standing patterns in relationships, emotions and stress, and how they affect your life now.
Who is involved
Longer-term therapy with a clinical psychologist is often central, with a psychiatrist overseeing the overall plan.
Between sessions
Progress is gradual, and reviews are steady and non-judgemental.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
What is the difference between avoidant personality disorder and social anxiety?
The two overlap. Avoidant personality disorder is broader and tied to a deep sense of inadequacy across life, while social anxiety is mainly fear in social situations.
Can it be treated?
Yes. Many people improve with steady, supportive therapy.
Is it just shyness?
No. It limits relationships, work and life.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Ms. Kamakshi SabharwalClinical Psychologist
Muskan Jain DesaiClinical Psychologist
Dr. Divya GurunathanPsychiatrist - Women's Mental Health & Child Psychiatry
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Dr. Pooja RaniPsychiatrist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.