Which disorder is described as having an anxious and avoidant pattern with hypersensitivity to evaluation, often avoiding social interactions?

• A. Dependent
• B. Schizoid
• C. Obsessive-Compulsive
• D. Avoidant

Answer: (D)

The described pattern reflects an enduring tendency toward social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and a heightened sensitivity to negative evaluation, which leads to avoiding social interactions. In avoidant personality disorder, people genuinely desire close relationships but fear rejection so strongly that they withdraw from situations where they might be evaluated or judged. This pervasive fear and avoidance occur across many areas of life, not just in isolated episodes, and typically begin by early adulthood.

This is distinct from other options: dependent personality involves a fear of being left to care for oneself and a need to rely on others; schizoid personality is marked by detachment and a lack of interest in social relationships; obsessive-compulsive personality features a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control rather than fear of social evaluation. Therefore, the described anxious-avoidant pattern with hypersensitivity to evaluation best fits avoidant personality disorder.