Schizoid Personality Disorder

This overview is for educational purposes only and not to be used for self diagnosis. (Source – Psychology Today)

Schizoid Personality Disorder is a condition that is characterized by a lack of care or concern towards social relationships, with minimal emotional expression and experience. People with this disorder are able to lead a functional day to day life, but they do not develop meaningful relationships with other people. 

 

DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only and not to be used for self-diagnosis. If you or a loved one can relate to a number of features listed below, then please do use our therapist directory to find a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist that is right for you to receive a professional diagnosis.

What are the primary symptoms/signs of the condition?

  • People with this disorder do not desire or enjoy close relationships
  • They appear aloof and detached
  • They avoid social activities that involve significant contact with other people.
  • They prefer to engage in activities that they can do alone.
  • They have little or no interest in sexual experiences with another person.
  • They lack close relationships other than with immediate relatives.
  • They do not care about praise or criticism.
  • They show emotional coldness, detachment, and lack of expression.
  • They exhibit little visible change in mood.
  • They don’t take pleasure in most activities.

 

Please Note: This information is for educational purposes only and not to be used for self-diagnosis. If you or a loved one can relate to a number of features listed below, then please do use our therapist directory to find a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist that is right for you to receive a professional diagnosis.

What factors can be contributing causes?

  • There are hardly any known causes for the development of personality disorders but a higher risk for schizoid personality disorder in families of those with illnesses on the schizophrenia spectrum suggests that genetics may be involved in developing this disorder.
  • Being brought up by parents who are unresponsive to emotional needs may also be a risk factor for the development of schizoid personality disorder.

  • A general practitioner (GP) or psychologist can usually diagnose schizoid personality disorder by asking questions about a person’s medical history and symptoms.
  • The GP/psychologist will also inquire about a patient’s physical health to ensure that the detached mood is not caused as a result of an underlying medical condition, or by factors such as drug or alcohol use.
  • The GP/psychologist will check the symptoms that the patient presents with against the standard criteria for schizoid personality disorder before making a diagnosis.

What is the recommended treatment?

  • People with this diagnosis do not usually seek help as they do not feel lonely or envious of people who enjoy close relationships with other people.
  • Medications are not usually recommended for schizoid personality disorder. However, they are sometimes used for short-term treatment of extreme states of anxiety that are associated with the disorder. 
  • Individual therapy that successfully attains a long-term level of trust between the therapist and the client may be useful, as it helps people with the disorder to establish authentic relationships, in cases where this is desired. 
  • Therapy for individuals with this disorder should focus on simple treatment goals to alleviate current pressing concerns or stressors within the individual’s life. 
  • Cognitive-restructuring may be necessary to address certain types of clear, irrational thoughts that are negatively influencing the patient’s behaviors. This therapeutic plan should be clearly defined at the early stages of treatment.

 

  • Schizoid personality disorder affects less than 1% of the general population. 

If you are experiencing any of these signs, here are some activities you can do at home until you are able to consult a professional.

    • Exercise
    • Engage in creative outlets such as writing, painting, or music
    • Keep a gratitude journal
    • Talk to a family member or friend about how you are feeling
    • Practice Mindfulness
    • Practice Yoga
    • Engage in a well-balanced diet
    • Maintain a good sleep schedule 
    • Recognise what you can and can’t handle

# Schizoid Personality Disorder
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