How is avoidant personality disorder diagnosed?

How is avoidant personality disorder diagnosed?

If symptoms are present, a healthcare provider will begin an evaluation by performing a complete medical history and physical examination. Although there are no laboratory tests to specifically diagnose personality disorders, the doctor might use various diagnostic tests to rule out physical illness as the cause of the symptoms.

If the provider finds no physical reason for the symptoms, they might refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist, healthcare professionals who are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Psychiatrists and psychologists use specially designed interview and assessment tools to evaluate a person for a personality disorder like avoidant personality disorder.