Avoidant personality disorder (APD) is a mental condition in which the patient feels intense anxiety, self-consciousness, and inadequacy, leading to the avoidance of social interactions. This psychiatric illness is a part of Cluster C personality disorders, characterized by abnormal thoughts and behaviors that are fearful. People who experience avoidant personality disorder have low self-esteem and fear judgment from their peers. Though people with avoidant personality disorder desire strong interpersonal connections, they find isolation more comfortable, as it is hard to cope with perceived criticism. It is estimated that just over two percent of the United States population has avoidant personality disorder; however, it is believed to be underdiagnosed. This condition is typically diagnosed in early adulthood, though signs and symptoms will have been present throughout childhood. The causes of this condition are not thoroughly understood, but it is known to be influenced by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors during childhood.