Schizoid Personality Disorder

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Schizoid Personality Disorder is characterised by introverted behaviour, often leading to those suffering being referred to as loners. They are not interested in social relationships and prefer to be on their own, often absorbed in their own thoughts and feelings. Individuals fear intimacy and relationships and their sexual experiences are limited, finally ceasing altogether. Those with Schizoid Personality Disorder are more daydreamers than action takers.

Individuals do not show a need for acceptance or attention, and tend to seek jobs requiring little social interaction. Schizoids are perceived by others as cold and distant, but they genuinely don't wish for popularity. It is not that they do not have emotions, just that they express them poorly resulting in a detachment from the rest of the world.

Schizoids typically only confide in close relatives, but do not maintain any close bonds. There is safety found from being alone, and solitary activities are more comfortable for sufferers. Those with Schizoid Personality Disorder do maintain contact with reality though. They often follow rigid routines and are creatures of predictable habits.

Symptoms:

Does not desire close relationships

Avoids social activities

Almost always chooses solitary activities

Has little interest in sexual activity with another person

Does not express any strong feelings

Enjoys few activities, if any

Shows emotional detachment and coldness

Causes:

The cause of Schizoid Personality Disorder is still unknown. However, several theories have been suggested to try to explain the development of the disorder. Social theorists consider learned behaviour responses to cause the disorder, biologic theorists suggest chromosomal or nervous system disorders as the cause and psychodynamic theorists believe deficiencies in ego development are the cause. These are just theories though and there is currently insufficient evidence to back any of them up.

Research has also suggested that the disorder may be associated with schizophrenia as many of the same risk factors are shared. However people with Schizoid Personality Disorder do not have schizophrenia, and the disorder is less disabling than schizophrenia.

Treatment:

As with all personality disorders, psychotherapy is likely to be the choice of treatment. However those suffering with the disorder are unlikely to seek treatment and evidence has shown treatment is not expected to be easily effective. Short-term treatment is common with sufferers of this disorder as they only address immediate conditions, rather than seeking to terminate the disorder completely.

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