American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam 2026 - Free ABPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

The statement that avoidant personality disorder primarily involves the avoidance of social interaction due to fear is the most accurate. Individuals with avoidant personality disorder exhibit a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. This means that they often avoid social situations because they fear criticism, rejection, or embarrassment. This fear leads to significant distress and impairment in their ability to engage in social or occupational activities.

The essence of this disorder lies in the profound anxiety about social interactions, which is a core feature distinguishing it from other personality disorders. Unlike those with other disorders, individuals with avoidant personality disorder experience intense apprehension about how they might be perceived by others, which drives them to shy away from situations that involve interpersonal contact. This fundamental characteristic helps in understanding their behavior in various social contexts.