Compared to AvPD (must have 4 of the following):
•Avoids occupational activities involving significant interpersonal contact, due to fears of criticism, disapproval, or rejection
•Is unwilling to get involved with people unless certain of acceptance
•Shows restraint within intimate relationships due to fears of shame or ridicule
•Preoccupied with fears of receiving criticism or rejection in social situations
•Inhibited in new interpersonal situations due to feelings of inadequacy
•Considers self as inferior to others, socially inept, or personally unappealing
•Is unusually reluctant to take personal risks or to engage in any new activities because they may prove embarrassing
Anyone who has ever been near a DSM knows that that the criteria of many mental health "disorders" overlap, which is why we can easily get confused when trying to play diagnostician. The debate about social anxiety vs. AvPD will continue to persist, even among mental health professionals. Also the difference between having an avoidant personality vs. having avoidant personality
disorder also can be argued. Especially on this forum