In simple words: Avoidant personality disorder means someone is very shy and afraid of being judged by others. This makes it hard for them to make friends, have relationships, or do things at work.They feel inadequate and worry a lot about what people think of them.

Avoidant personality disorder (APD) is an enduring pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.Individuals with APD experience low self-esteem, isolation, fear of criticism and rejection, and difficulty forming close relationships. They avoid social situations and opportunities for advancement due to fear of disapproval.Diagnosis involves a comprehensive assessment including patient history, physical and psychiatric examinations, and interviews with family members. Treatment typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of psychotherapy.While there are no specific medications to treat APD, medication may be used to manage comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety.

Example 1: A 28-year-old woman avoids social events due to intense fear of judgment and rejection, limiting her career prospects and personal relationships. She exhibits low self-esteem and hypersensitivity to criticism., A 45-year-old man, despite possessing high professional skills, consistently declines promotions or networking events, fearing negative evaluations from colleagues and supervisors. This results in a stagnant career and feelings of isolation., A 32-year-old individual experiences significant distress in social interactions, frequently misinterpreting neutral comments as negative judgments. Their interpersonal relationships are characterized by superficiality and fear of intimacy.

Comprehensive documentation should include:*Detailed history of social inhibition and fear of criticism,*Description of the impact on daily life,*Results of psychiatric evaluation (including the use of standardized diagnostic tools and scales),*Assessment for co-occurring mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression),*Documentation of treatment plan (including therapy type and medication if applicable), and*Progress notes showing the patient’s response to treatment.

** Consider the potential for co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, and other personality disorders.Accurate coding requires careful review of the clinical documentation to ensure the appropriate code is assigned.Always refer to the most current ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for the most up-to-date information.