Which of the following has the lowest risk for sexual dysfunction and weight gain?

A. Fear of rejection. Individuals with avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) have an intense fear of rejection or criticism, leading them to avoid social situations, relationships, and new experiences despite wanting social connection. This fear stems from deep feelings of inadequacy.

B. Jealous of others. Jealousy is not a defining trait of AVPD but is more commonly associated with narcissistic or borderline personality disorders. People with AVPD are more self-critical and insecure rather than envious of others’ success or relationships.

C. Afraid to make new relationships. Those with AVPD struggle to form new relationships due to fear of embarrassment, criticism, or social failure. They often require strong reassurance and validation before feeling comfortable in social settings.

D. Avoids social interactions. Avoidance of social interactions is a hallmark of AVPD, as individuals tend to withdraw from work, friendships, and social activities to protect themselves from perceived humiliation or failure.

A. Eccentric. Individuals with schizotypal personality disorder (STPD) exhibit odd or eccentric behaviors, speech, and thought patterns. They may dress unusually, speak in vague or metaphorical ways, or hold bizarre beliefs that are not delusional but are far outside societal norms.

B. Mood swings. Frequent mood swings are not a characteristic feature of schizotypal personality disorder. Instead, they are more commonly seen in borderline personality disorder (BPD) or bipolar disorder. While individuals with STPD may experience transient emotional disturbances, their symptoms are more related to social detachment and cognitive distortions than rapid mood fluctuations.

C. Social anxiety. People with STPD experience intense social anxiety, often due to paranoia and distrust of others rather than fear of judgment (as seen in social anxiety disorder). Their discomfort in social situations does not improve with familiarity, leading to persistent isolation.

D. Paranoid. Paranoia is a core symptom of schizotypal personality disorder. Individuals with STPD often have suspiciousness and odd beliefs, such as thinking others are plotting against them or misinterpreting benign events as having hidden meanings. This paranoid thinking contributes to their social withdrawal and difficulty forming close relationships.