摘要：The aim of this paper is to describe the avoidant personality disorder and to analyse the avoidant profile of Arthur Schopenhauer. We begin the paper with the description of the behavior, relationships, cognitive style, affectivity and self-concept of people suffering from avoidant personality disorder. Such pattern is characterized by hypersensitivity to be rejected by others, resulting in avoidance of social situations in which he/she may feel rejected. He/she maintains the desire of close relationships but avoids relationships with people who do not show unconditional acceptance in order to avoid negative emotions. He/she isn´t isolated for being affectively cold, but because he/she is anxious. After describing the pattern that characterizes avoidant personality disorder, we analyze the possible causes of and the factors influencing the development of the disorder. We show the criteria used for the diagnosis as well as the aims that are set and the therapies that are implemented for its treatment. Finally, we analyse the personality of such a relevant philosopher as Schopenhauer, who might have suffered from this disorder. We provide data of his biography and philosophy and we end the paper describing his psychological profile.
