A key feature of Avoidant Personality Disorder is the fear of what?

Avoidant Personality Disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. One of the central elements of this disorder is the intense fear of social criticism, which leads individuals to avoid social situations where they might be judged or rejected. This fear is rooted in a belief that they are inherently deficient or unworthy compared to others, which significantly influences their behavior and interactions.

Individuals with Avoidant Personality Disorder often experience anxiety in situations where there is a possibility of being criticized or humiliated, contributing to their avoidance of social interactions and relationships. This fear of negative evaluation can be so profound that it impacts their ability to form connections, pursue opportunities, or engage in everyday activities that might expose them to scrutiny.

The other options, while they may be concerns for some individuals with anxiety or other disorders, do not specifically encapsulate the essence of Avoidant Personality Disorder as defined in the DSM-5.