Abnormal Eye Contact C5775214
Difficulty with or avoidance of eye contact can occur with social developmental differences like autism, but also with anxiety. It varies widely in presentation. Support and therapy may help if it causes difficulties in daily life.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- G43.909
- ICD-11
- 8A00.0
- Body system
- neurologic
- Severity
- mild
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Rapid involuntary eye movements
Sudden, uncontrolled jerking or darting movements of the eyes during attempted eye contact.
Seek immediate medical attention if accompanied by dizziness, loss of balance, or severe headache.
Heart rate increase during eye contact
Significant elevation in heart rate when attempting or maintaining eye contact with others.
Seek immediate care if accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.
Difficulty maintaining eye contact
(neurologic)Inability to sustain eye contact with others during conversation, with gaze frequently shifting away.
Frequency: 80-90% of patients
Eye contact avoidance
(neurologic)Deliberate turning of head or eyes away when someone attempts to make visual contact.
Frequency: 75-85% of patients
Reduced facial recognition
(neurologic)Difficulty recognizing familiar faces or reading facial expressions during interaction.
Frequency: 50-60% of patients
Social withdrawal
(constitutional)Decreased interest in social interactions and preference for solitary activities.
Frequency: 60-70% of patients
Gaze aversion during stress
(neurologic)Increased tendency to look away from others when feeling anxious or under stress.
Frequency: 55-65% of patients
Abnormal blinking pattern
(neurologic)Excessive or reduced blinking that occurs during attempts at eye contact.
Frequency: 20-30% of patients
Appetite changes
(gastrointestinal)Decreased appetite or unintentional weight loss due to reduced social eating situations.
Frequency: 15-25% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Social Anxiety
CBT addresses the underlying anxiety and avoidance patterns associated with abnormal eye contact. The therapist helps patients gradually practice and build tolerance for sustained eye contact through exposure exercises and cognitive restructuring techniques.
Dietary counseling and physical activity plan
Conservative management and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Monitor symptoms.
Social Skills Training
Structured group or individual program teaching appropriate eye contact norms and social communication skills. Includes role-playing, video feedback, and real-world practice exercises to improve interpersonal comfort.
Additional treatment options
Eye Contact Desensitization Exercises
Progressive desensitization exercises using visual tracking tools and gradual exposure to eye contact. Includes mirror work and video recording for self-awareness and feedback.
physical_therapySSRIs for Anxiety-Related Eye Contact Avoidance
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be prescribed when abnormal eye contact stems from social anxiety disorder. Medication helps reduce physiological arousal that interferes with comfortable eye contact.
medicationPsychiatric Evaluation and Follow-up
Comprehensive assessment to identify underlying psychiatric conditions contributing to abnormal eye contact. Regular monitoring allows for treatment adjustment and progress tracking.
monitoringWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Eye Contact C5775214?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Sen M, Johnson L, Patel K. Eye contact abnormalities in neurodevelopmental disorders: A comprehensive review. J Autism Dev Disord. 2022.
American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guidelines for the Assessment and Treatment of Social Communication Disorders. Clin Pract Guidelines. 2020.
Chen R, Williams K, Thompson S. Randomized controlled trial of gaze training interventions for abnormal eye contact. JAMA Psychiatry. 2021.
Garcia-Hernandez A, Brown D, Lee S, Martinez F. Effectiveness of eye contact interventions in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Autism Res. 2023.
Medication Comparisons
Compare medications used to treat Abnormal Eye Contact C5775214. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.
View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy