American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ABPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is avoidant personality disorder, which is primarily characterized by a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. Individuals with this disorder often avoid social interactions due to intense fear of rejection or criticism, leading to a significant impact on their personal and professional lives. They may desire social connections but feel anxious or inadequate, resulting in avoidance of situations where they might be judged.

In contrast, dependent personality disorder features a strong need for confirmation and support from others, leading to submissive behaviors but not specifically to social inhibition. Schizoid personality disorder is marked by a preference for solitary activities and emotional detachment, rather than feelings of inadequacy in social contexts. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder involves a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control, which does not align with the characteristics of social anxiety or feelings of inadequacy found in avoidant personality disorder.