What personality disorder is characterized by a fear of embarrassment and difficulty forming close relationships?

Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. Individuals with this disorder often fear embarrassment and humiliation, which leads to significant avoidance of social situations and difficulty in forming close relationships. They may view themselves as socially inept or unworthy, which exacerbates their anxiety in social interactions. This fear of negative judgment prevents them from engaging in activities that require social interaction, reinforcing their feelings of loneliness and isolation.

In contrast, the other personality disorders mentioned involve different behaviors and motivations. Narcissistic personality disorder is marked by a grandiose sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy for others. Borderline personality disorder involves instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions, often accompanied by impulsive behavior. Dependent personality disorder is characterized by excessive clinginess and a need for reassurance, leading to a submissive behavior pattern. None of these conditions specifically emphasize the fear of embarrassment or avoidance of relationships due to feelings of inadequacy in the same way that avoidant personality disorder does.