Question

What is the difference between social phobia and avoidant personality disorder?

Answer 1

Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, is different from avoidant personality disorder, in that in avoidant personality disorder, there is a broader pattern of avoidance than that seen on social phobia. Also, in avoidant personality disorder, there is a greater degree of hypersensitivity to the criticism of others, which explains the broader pattern of avoidance of social situations.