What diagnosis would be most appropriate for Tonya? She says she would like to meet people but is too afraid of saying something foolish to speak to them. She describes herself as the ultimate social klutz because she never knows what to say or do. As a result, she stays to herself except with a very few friends she has known since childhood.

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Tonya's fear of saying something foolish and being a social klutz suggests social anxiety and excessive sensitivity to negative evaluation, which are characteristics of avoidant personality disorder. Schizoid personality disorder is characterized by social detachment and lack of interest in social relationships, schizotypal personality disorder is characterized by odd beliefs and behaviors, and dependent personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive need to be taken care of by others. These disorders do not fit Tonya's description as well as avoidant personality disorder does.

What Diagnosis Would Be Most Appropriate for Tonya? She Says