Schizoid Personality Disorder Symptoms and Treatments

Schizoid Personality Disorder Symptoms and Treatments Theories Personality Psychology Print An Overview of Schizoid Personality Disorder By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial policy Kendra Cherry Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on May 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 09, 2020 Cultura / Zero Creatives / Getty Images More in Theories Personality Psychology Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Behavioral Psychology Cognitive Psychology Developmental Psychology Social Psychology Biological Psychology Psychosocial Psychology In This Article Table of Contents Expand Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment View All Back To Top Schizoid personality disorder (SPD) is a chronic and pervasive condition characterized by social isolation and feelings of indifference toward other people.?? Those who live with this disorder are often described as distant or withdrawn. People with this condition avoid social situations that involve interaction with other people. They find it difficult to express emotions and lack the desire to form close personal relationships. This type of personality disorder is believed to be relatively rare and tends to affect more men than women.?? People with schizoid personality disorder are also at risk of experiencing depression. Symptoms People with schizoid personality disorder typically experience: Detachment from other peopleLittle or no desire to form close relationships with othersInfrequent participation in activities for fun or pleasureA sense of indifference to praise and affirmation, as well as to criticism or rejectionOften described as cold, uninterested, withdrawn, and aloofDoes not enjoy social or family relationshipsIndifference to social norms and expectationsA preoccupation with introspection and fantasy?? The disorder is often first noticeable during childhood and is usually apparent by early adulthood. The symptoms of the disorder can have an impact on multiple life domains including family relationships, school, and work. The DSM-5 defines schizoid personality disorder as a pervasive pattern of social and interpersonal deficits marked by acute discomfort with, and reduced capacity form, close relationships as well as by cognitive or perceptual distortions and eccentricities of behavior, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts.?? People with schizoid personality disorder are often described by others as aloof, cold, and detached. Those who have the disorder may prefer being alone, but some may also experience loneliness and social isolation as a result. Those with this disorder also tend to have few friendships, date rarely, and often do not marry. The symptoms of the disorder may also make it difficult to work in positions that require a lot of social interaction or people skills. People with a schizoid personality disorder may do better in jobs that involve working in solitude. Schizoid Personality Disorder vs. Schizophrenia While schizoid personality disorder is considered one of the schizophrenia spectrum disorders and shares some common symptoms with schizophrenia and schizotypal personality disorder, there are important distinctions that separate SPD from those two disorders. Those with SPD rarely experience paranoia or hallucinations.?? Also, while they may seem aloof and distant during conversations, they do make sense when they speak, which differs from the difficult to follow speech patterns  that often demonstrated by people with schizophrenia. An Overview of Schizophrenia Causes The causes of schizoid personality disorder are not known,?? although it is believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors play a role. Personality is shaped by a wide variety of factors including inherited traits and tendencies, childhood experiences, parenting, education, and social interactions. All of these factors may play some part in contributing to the development of SPD.?? Diagnosis If you are concerned about your symptoms, you may start by consulting your doctor. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and check for any underlying medical conditions that might be contributing to your symptoms. In most cases, you will likely then be referred to a mental health professional.   The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria state that people must display at least four of the following symptoms in order to be diagnosed with SPD: Lack of desire or enjoyment for close personal relationshipsAlways chooses solitary activitiesLittle or no interest in sex with other peopleExperiences little pleasure from activitiesNo close friends other than immediate familyIndifference to criticism or praiseEmotional detachment and lack of emotional expression?? Schizoid personality disorder is most often diagnosed by a psychiatrist or another mental health professional who is trained to diagnose and treat personality disorders. General practitioners often lack the training to make this type of diagnosis, especially since the condition is so uncommon and is often confused with other mental disorders.   People who have schizoid personality disorder rarely seek out treatment on their own. It is often only after the condition has severely interrupted multiple areas of a persons life that treatment is sought.   Treatment Schizoid personality disorder can be challenging to treat. Those with the disorder often do not seek treatment and may struggle with psychotherapy because they find it difficult to develop working relationships with a therapist.?? The social isolation that characterizes schizoid personality disorder also makes it difficult to find support and assistance. People with schizoid personality disorder may find it easier to form relationships that center on intellectual, occupational, or recreational pursuits because such relationships do not rely on self-disclosure and emotional intimacy.?? Medications may be used to treat some of the symptoms of schizoid personality disorder such as anxiety and depression. Such medications are usually used in conjunction with other treatment options such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or group therapy. CBT can help people with SPD identify problematic thoughts and behaviors and develop new coping skills. Group therapy may help people practice interpersonal skills. One-on-one therapy can seem intimidating for people with this condition because it requires a great deal of social interaction. Such treatments may be most effective when mental health professionals are careful to avoid pushing too hard and clients are not faced with excessive pressure and emotional demands.?? The Best Online Therapy Programs A Word From Verywell? The condition is usually enduring, chronic, and lifelong, but with support and effective treatment, people who live with it can continue to live functional lives. Tips for Living With a Personality Disorder