Which PD is associated with social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation?

• A. Dependent
• B. Paranoid
• C. Schizoid
• D. Avoidant

Answer: (D)

Social inhibition with feelings of inadequacy and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation points to Avoidant personality disorder. People with this pattern tend to steer clear of social situations because they fear rejection or humiliation, yet they often crave closeness and acceptance. Their self-view is tinged with inadequacy, which amplifies the fear of criticism and leads to a pervasive avoidance that shows up across work, school, and friendships. This distinguishes it from other personality disorders: paranoid involves mistrust and suspicion rather than a core fear of negative evaluation; schizoid features detachment and a limited interest in relationships rather than a fear of judgment; dependent centers on needing others and fear of separation, not primarily hypersensitivity to evaluation.