Avoidant Personality Disorder (often abbreviated as AvPD or APD) is a personality disorder characterized by extreme feelings of inferiority, hypersensitivity to negative evaluation, and unusual patterns of social inhibition. People with Avoidant Personality Disorder display several or more of the following characteristics in ways that hinder social and workplace functioning:

• Avoidance of activities that involve socializing due to fear of criticism or rejection
• Refusal to get involved with others unless they are certain of being liked
• Inhibition in close relationships and/or new social settings
• Negative self-beliefs, particularly regarding social skills and personality
• Reluctance to engage in new or unfamiliar activities