AVPD goes well beyond the normal feelings of self-doubt and fear many people experience when entering new relationships and unfamiliar surroundings, for instance. Once avoidant characteristics begin to have long-term, negative effects, the issue begins to meet the criteria for a personality disorder. AVPD can mask symptoms associated with other mood or anxiety disorders. It can also cause other conditions -- for example, the security and isolation triggered by AVPD can lead to depression.

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