| Prevalence |
Approximately 2.5% of the American population has avoidant personality disorder (Grant, Hasin, et al., 2004). Up to 10% of those seen in outpatient clinics have this disorder. |
| Comorbidity |
Because the diagnostic criteria overlap with those of social phobia, comorbidity between the two disorders is very high (Shea et al., 2004; Skodol, 2005; Skodol et al., 1995); in one study, 43% of people diagnosed with social phobia were also diagnosed with avoidant personality disorder (Faravelli et al., 2000). Common comorbid personality disorders are dependent personality disorder (because patients are dependent on the few friends they have), borderline personality disorder, and the Cluster A (odd/eccentric) personality disorders. Common comorbid psychological disorders are mood disorders and anxiety disorders. |
| Onset |
Based on the diagnostic criteria, symptoms such as shyness or a fear of strangers or new situations must emerge by early adulthood. |
| Course |
Two years after diagnosis, approximately 50% of people with avoidant personality disorder improve enough with treatment that their symptoms no longer meet the criteria (Grilo et al., 2004). |
| Gender Differences |
Men and women do not consistently differ in their prevalence rates for avoidant personality disorder (Torgersen, 2005). |
| Source: Unless specifically noted, citations are to American Psychiatric Association, 2000, 2013. |