Avoidant Personality Disorder: Why You Feel Safer Alone

About this episode

Are you constantly craving connection but terrified of rejection? Licensed therapist Kati Morton explains Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD), which goes beyond typical shyness or introversion and can keep you trapped in a cycle of loneliness and an intense fear of judgment. We cover the symptoms of AvPD, how it overlaps with social anxiety and differs from avoidant attachment, why someone might want friends but avoid them, where it comes from, the role of negative cognitive bias, and therapies like CBT, exposure, and schema therapy. 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 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