Schizoid P.D

Schizoid Personality Disorder

Persons with a Schizoid Personality are excessively introspective and socially aloof. Their emotional expressions are restricted and there is no warmth or friendliness in interpersonal contacts.

Schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) is characterised by cognitive or perceptual distortions, an inability to tolerate close friendships, and odd behavior, but not frank psychosis.

Schizoid personality disorder is a medical condition in which people shy away from interacting with other people and also try to avoid social activities. People, who suffer from this problem, are seen as loner and usually have no idea on how to interact and establish personal relationships with other people.

People, who interact with a person who is suffering from Schizoid personality disorder, find them dull and boring. Since they show little or no emotion, they appear as though they do not care about what is around them. However, these people are extremely sensitive even though they may aloof.

The Schizophrenic Continuum

SPD is considered part of the "schizophrenic spectrum" of mental illness, which also includes Schizotypal Personality Disorder and Schizophrenia. Although Schizophrenia is categorized as a Psychotic Disorder and both Schizoid and Schizotypal are Personality Disorders, all three share symptoms, such as avoidance of social relations and flat emotional affect. An important difference is that people with Schizoid Personality don't typically experience the perceptual distortions, paranoia or illusions associated with schizotypal personality, or the psychotic episodes of schizophrenia (Waldeck 2000).

Diagnosis of Schizoid Personality Disorder


According to the DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), a patient must fit the following criteria in order to be diagnosed with Schizoid Personality Disorder.
A pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of expression of emotions in interpersonal settings, beginning by early adulthood and as indicated by four (or more) of the following:

• 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 confidantes other than first-degree relatives
• appears indifferent to the praise or criticism of others
• shows emotional coldness, detachment, or flattened affectivity

The cause of Schizoid personality disorder is not yet known. People, who suffer from this problem, avoid interacting with other people including the doctor. They get so used to a non-social life that they are not sure what they want from life and what they would like to change. Even if they approach a doctor, they don’t reveal the details of their life easily.

Treatment and Prognosis of SPD


However, an experienced therapist will understand the needs of the patient who is suffering from Schizoid personality disorder and will make all efforts to reach out to them and understand their needs.


Schizoids usually do not seek treatment on their own and are often coaxed into it by a loved one. Although they are unlikely to change in their lack of desire for social involvement, those with SPD can, with practice, increase their ability to relate to and communicate with others. Even without the desire to develop intimate relationships, individuals with SPD often want to be able to interact more effectively and comfortably.


Some of the treatments for Schizoid personality disorder include:


Medication:

Even though specific drugs are not available for treatment of Schizoid personality disorder, doctors may prescribe medication for treatment conditions that are associated with this order. Some of the conditions that are associated with Schizoid personality disorder include depression and anxiety.

Psychotherapy:

Cognitive behavior therapy can help in changing the behaviour and belief of people suffering from Schizoid personality disorder. This therapy can help in developing your interpersonal skills and also help you in developing your social skills. For example, it can help you improve your reaction when you meet new people or when you attend a social get together.

Group Therapy:

Group therapy will help in improving social skills of people who are suffering from Schizoid personality disorder. When people suffering Schizoid personality disorder interact with others who are trying to improve their interpersonal skills, they don’t hesitate to meet new people or attend a social gathering.