What is Schizoid Personality Disorder?
As it is not an extremely discussed or well-known disorder, many people wonder “what is schizoid personality disorder?” Schizoid personality disorder is a type of personality disorder characterized by appearing aloof, social isolation, distant, and detached. A schizoid personality disorder example often includes people who experience feelings of indifference towards others and are described as distant or withdrawn.1
Is Schizoid Personality Disorder Curable?
Though there is no cure for schizoid personality disorder, it is a relatively rare disorder. Some studies have suggested that there is a less than 1% prevalence of the diagnosis of schizoid personality disorder occurring in the population. The studies also show no significant difference in the frequency of schizoid personality disorder between males and females.2
The onset of personality disorder often occurs in early adulthood. These disorders do not often appear for the first time in older age, as personality disorders are characterized by enduring, stable patterns of behavior that are typically prevalent throughout life.
Evidence of Schizoid Personality Disorder
Some evidence shows that schizoid personality disorder may worsen with age. This may be because as people age, they become more reliant on the care of strangers. Individuals with schizoid personality disorder may become more withdrawn and anxious later in life and, therefore, may have trouble adjusting to hospitals, nursing homes, or long-term care facilities.3
Signs and Symptoms of Schizoid Personality Disorder
Individuals with schizoid personality disorder are often reclusive and organize their lives to avoid contact with others. A series of schizoid personality disorder tests and questions can be completed to help determine if an individual is experiencing these signs or symptoms. Other schizoid personality disorder symptoms and signs include:4
- Avoid engaging in social activities
- Experiencing the desire to be alone
- Indifference to having close relationships
- Little or no interest in pleasurable or sexual relationships or experiences
- Feel as though you can't experience pleasure
- Feel indifferent to praise or criticism
- Have difficulty relating to other people
- May appear to lack motivation and goals
- Often appear to be emotionally cold, aloof, and with a flat affect
What Causes Schizoid Personality Disorder?
Little is known about the cause of schizoid personality disorder. However, as personality is formed and developed during childhood, some speculate that complications at birth, childhood abuse, emotionally distant parenting, and lack of emotional nurturing may contribute to schizoid personality traits
Some other potential causes for schizoid personality symptoms may include head or brain injuries, a family history of schizophrenia, misuse of drugs or alcohol, and physical abuse. Thus, it is speculated that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the development of schizoid personality disorder symptoms.5
How to Diagnose Schizoid Personality Disorder
If you believe you are experiencing signs of schizoid personality disorder or schizoid tendencies, it is important to communicate with your medical providers. To determine a diagnosis of schizoid personality disorder, a medical provider may complete a physical exam and gather a complete medical history. This is done to help rule out possible physical causes of your symptoms.
Once your medical provider determines no physical cause for the symptoms you are experiencing, they may then refer you to a mental health professional. Someone who may be specialized in personality disorders. Schizoid personality disorder specialists will conduct psychological evaluations, assessments and may utilize schizoid personality disorder tests, such as questionnaires, to determine a diagnosis. Once schizoid personality disorder tests and assessments are completed, a diagnosis of schizoid personality disorder may be made if the individual meets the DSM-5 criteria. This includes:
Pattern of Detachment
A pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of expression of emotions in interpersonal settings, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by 4 (or more) of the following:6
- Neither desires nor enjoys close relationships, including being part of a family
- Almost always chooses solitary activities
- Has little, if any, interest in having sexual experiences with another person
- Takes pleasure in few, if any, activities
- Lacks close friends or confidants other than first-degree relatives
- Appears indifferent to the praise or criticism of others
- Shows emotional coldness, detachment, or flattened affectivity
Treatment Options Available for Schizoid Personality Disorder
Schizoid personality disorder treatment can be challenging due to the nature of the disorder. The social isolation that typically characterizes this condition may make it difficult for individuals to seek the necessary support and assistance. Many people who experience schizoid personality disorder do not seek treatment as they are not significantly distressed by the symptoms or do not want to engage in interpersonal relationships.
However, if they seek treatment, they may experience difficulties forming working relationships with therapists. Therefore, therapists may need to focus less on emotional experiences and more on forming relationships around intellectual or recreational experiences.
Therapy Opportunities
Therapy for schizoid personality disorder may include family therapy, group therapy, or behavioral therapy. The psychotherapies often focus on improving coping skills, increasing social interaction, communication, and self-esteem.7
Education and Coping Skills
Treatment for schizoid personality disorder may revolve around education and coping skills. As these individuals tend to lack the desire for emotional closeness, treatment may be more beneficial to focus on forming relationships around work or intellectual pursuits.
There are no medications for schizoid personality disorder itself. However, medications may be used to treat comorbid psychological conditions such as depression or anxiety. These medications are often used in conjunction with group therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy.
Getting Help for Schizoid Personality Disorder at Pacific Beach Health
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with this condition, Pacific Beach Health can offer schizoid personality disorder tests, evaluation, assessment, and treatment. The team at Pacific Beach Health offers professional, down-to-earth, and holistic treatment approaches that focus on the whole person.
For more information about treatment with Pacific Beach Health, contact our team at 858.295.8694 or https://pacificbeacstg.wpengine.com/contact-us/.
References:
- https://www.verywellmind.com/schizoid-personality-disorder-2795450
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559234/
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bjpsych-advances/article/personality-disorders-in-later-life-epidemiology-presentation-and-management/A0AC8DED4CCD49AAE4B0E1130A0025CE
- https://www.healthline.com/health/schizoid-personality-disorders
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizoid-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354414
- https://www.psychdb.com/personality/schizoid
- https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-schizoid-personality-disorder
