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Chapter 8 - Avoidant Personality Disorder

from Part III - Application and Adaptations for Mental Health Presentations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 May 2023

Anthony Bateman ,
Peter Fonagy ,
Chloe Campbell ,
Patrick Luyten  and
Martin Debbané
Anthony Bateman
Affiliation:
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London
Peter Fonagy
Affiliation:
University College London
Chloe Campbell
Affiliation:
University College London
Patrick Luyten
Affiliation:
University College London
Martin Debbané
Affiliation:
University College London
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Summary

MBT for avoidant personality disorder (AvPD) targets hypermentalizing and hypomentalizing modes along with the problems associated with mentalizing problems found in the polarities of self/other mentalizing which become apparent when the patient engages with their social world. Reducing overuse of the self is central to treatment. The experience of shame is activated during social interaction, and therefore avoidance of social situations maintains a sense of personal comfort and safety. The chapter discusses ways to help the patient to overcome this. Clinician counter-responsiveness, which often relates to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, can also interfere with engagement and treatment, as the patient may avoid interaction in therapy.

Keywords

attachmentAvPDavoidant personality disordercounter-relational mentalizinghypermentalizinghypomentalizingplayfulnessself and othershamesocial avoidance
Type
Chapter
Information
Cambridge Guide to Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) , pp. 203 - 229
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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