Which single feature best distinguishes avoidant personality disorder from schizoid personality disorder?

• A Restricted emotional expression
• B Absence of close friends outside the family
• C Preference for solitary occupational activities
• D A desire for social relationships that is blocked by fear of criticism ✓

Explanation

Both disorders involve few close relationships and solitary preferences, so those features cannot separate them. The core discriminator is motivation: the avoidant patient desires affection and acceptance but withdraws because of fears of ridicule and rejection, while the schizoid patient has no such desire and is genuinely indifferent to praise or criticism. Restricted affect and friendlessness occur in both conditions.

Reference: DSM-5, American Psychiatric Association, 2013 ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.