In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive into Avoidant Personality Disorder, exploring Dr. Theodore Millon's six subtypes. We discuss a few interesting historical names before jumping into the characteristics of mild (Anxiously & Imaginatively shy); moderate (Hypersensitively & Phobicly Reticent); and severe (Conflicted & Self-Deserting) subtypes. Our conversation also critiques Millon's work, questioning the distinctiveness of avoidant traits compared to other personality disorders, and we invite listeners/viewers to share their thoughts and opinions.

🆘In need of psychodynamic therapy or a psychological evaluation? OR are you a provider stuck on a tricky case? To schedule with us, please visit the practice website and fill out the inquiry form! 👉https://www.questpsych.org. Clinicians use the email listed on the website.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Historical Names 05:18 Millon's Six Subtypes of Avoidant Personality 5:38 Mild Type Overview 6:44 Anxiously Shy Type 9:14 Imaginatively Shy Type 12:05 Moderate Level Overview 12:28 Hypersensitively Reticent Type 14:31 Phobicly Reticent Type 16:55 Severe Level Overview 17:29 Conflicted Avoidant Type 19:40 Self-Deserting Avoidant Type 22:21 Our Opinions About the Subtypes 26:14 Summary & Conclusion

In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, licensed clinical psychologist Doc Bok unpacks the historical context of Avoidant Personality Disorder (APD), exploring the ongoing debate about its classification in the DSM. This episode discusses the contributions of Theodore Millon, the controversies that arose during the introduction of APD, and the implications of trauma and sociopolitical culture on personality development. The episode concludes with proposing alternative classification systems, including the Enneagram, the psychodynamic phobic character, and avoidant personality as a problematic trait versus a disorder.

🆘In need of psychodynamic therapy or a psychological evaluation? OR are you a provider stuck on a tricky case? To schedule with us, please visit the practice website and fill out the inquiry form! 👉https://www.questpsych.org. Clinicians use the email listed on the website.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Avoidant Personality Disorder 02:32 Millon, the DSM, and Controversy 05:47 The 1960s & Personality Development 09:37 Avoidant Traits, Trauma, & Alternative Views 18:08 Summary & Conclusion

In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the DSM’s Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPd), exploring its hotly debated history, the DSM criteria, and its overlap with social anxiety. We discuss the developmental aspects of AvPd, the challenges of low self-esteem with this disorder, and how it can cause problems in employment. We end with our own unfiltered thoughts on whether or not we think it should be a diagnosis, questioning the zeitgeist in which it was coined, the lack of historical research, and its overlap with multiple other personality disorders.

🆘In need of psychodynamic therapy or a psychological evaluation? OR are you a provider stuck on a tricky case? To schedule with us, please visit the practice website and fill out the inquiry form! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/ (Clinicians use the email listed on the website.)

Chapters 00:00 Intro, History, & Controversy 03:42 Avoidant Personality Disorder: DSM 05:41 Social Inhibition and Fear of Criticism 08:14 Intimacy Issues and Fantasy 10:41 Self-Perception and Feelings of Inadequacy 14:49 Taking Risks and Employment Issues 17:09 Developmental Implications of Avoidant Personality 19:04 Avoidant Personality vs Social Anxiety 24:29 Unfiltered Thoughts on Avoidant Personality Disorder 35:10 Summary & Conclusion