Schizoid Personality Disorder: Information, Symptoms, Treatment and More

Schizoid Personality Disorder is the name of a Personality Disorder that is characterised by a lack of interest in social relationships, a proclivity for solitary activities, secretiveness, emotional coldness and apathy.

The disorder forms part of the Cluster A ‘odd and eccentric’ category of personality disorders. Typical symptoms include limited emotions, a rich fantasy world, and often, an overall detachment from the world.

The disorder shares some similarities with Schizophrenia. Schizoid personality disorder often causes functional impairment, and can be a difficult condition to live with.

However, some do not consider this to be a personality disorder, with some enjoying this lifestyle. But when a person is impacted by this personality style, treatment can help.

What are the symptoms of Schizoid Personality Disorder?

The symptoms of Schizoid Personality Disorder can range slightly from person-to-person. These symptoms should have been present for a considerable length of time. Typical symptoms include:

• Being uninterested in forming friendships and/or relationships
• A preference for being alone with thoughts
• Appearing as aloof and emotionally cold
• Act indifferently to various setbacks
• Get very little pleasure from life
• Struggle to establish friendships – and find it difficult to ascertain accurate impressions of how well they get along with others
• Tend to prefer solitary activities wherever possible
• Daydreaming excessively
• Struggle to express their feelings meaningfully
• Be secretive and rarely express themselves
• Feel as if they are ‘going through life in a dream’
• Be seen as a ‘loner’
• Rarely show anger

These symptoms will lead to an individual to thinking, feeling and behaving differently to the average person.

Interestingly, someone with Schizoid Personality Disorder will rarely feel there is something wrong with them, and may see little functional impairment. However, they may find they cannot work in any job that requires social contact.

Someone with Schizoid Personality Disorder will be in touch with reality, and will normally make perfect sense when they speak. These are traits that set them apart from those who suffer from Schizophrenia.

What are the causes of Schizoid Personality Disorder?

The cause of Schizoid Personality Disorder isn’t definitively known. After all, personality is a complex thing. It is believed that there are multiple factors involved in the condition developing.

Upbringing appears to be a factor. Research suggests that those who experienced critical parenting, or had emotionally cold caregivers, are at a higher risk of developing the condition [1]. This is because those who experience this are likely to keep their emotions and thoughts to themselves – and typically struggle to express themselves.

Genetics may also be involved. Conditions on the Schizophrenic Spectrum often run in families. Research suggests that those with family members that have schizophrenic spectrum disorders are at a heightened risk of developing Schizoid Personality Disorder [2].

As with any personality disorder – childhood trauma and neglect can contribute to the disorder. Any struggles during childhood – especially when personality is developing – can impact brain development.

Interestingly, other research has found that low birth weight, premature birth, and malnutrition in the womb are all additional risk factors [3].

But given the complexity of personality, it is likely that there is a mix of factors involved in Schizoid Personality Disorder developing.

Diagnosis of Schizoid Personality Disorder

A lot of people with Schizoid Personality Disorder will not see an issue in their lives. They may go through life without experiencing any problems.

However, many people will see an issue. They may particularly struggle to find a suitable job, or have any relationships. Loneliness may develop.

When a person does wish to engage in treatment, they should visit a doctor. A doctor will be able to discuss an individual’s situation and symptoms with them. A referral may follow.

If the doctor believes that a personality disorder may be exhibited, they will usually refer the individual to a Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) – which is a team of mental health professionals.

A mental health professional would typically carry out a full assessment of symptoms. They will gauge information about the individual through a series of questions and open discussions.

Schizoid Personality Disorder can often be confused with other conditions – meaning a differential diagnosis could occur. For instance, this may be Autism Spectrum Disorder or Schizotypal Personality Disorder.

For a personality disorder to be diagnosed, an individual will need to have displayed symptoms for several years – with these symptoms not being linked to another condition.

Specifically, for Schizoid Personality Disorder to be diagnosed, at least four of the following symptoms should be seen:

• Has no desire to have close friends and will typically not pursue a romantic partner
• Has few close friends outside of family members
• Has little, or no, desire for sexual experiences with another person
• Seen as emotionally cold, exhibits a flat affect, and seems detached
• Chooses solitary activities/jobs wherever possible
• Has little pleasure from life
• Exhibits indifference to praise or criticism from others

How is Schizoid Personality Disorder treated?

Treating personality disorders is challenging. Changing personality traits is a time-consuming challenge. Those with Schizoid Personality Disorder may seek help due to other symptoms – such as those associated with Depression.

There isn’t a huge amount of research on the treatment of Schizoid Personality Disorder. But there are some potential interventions.

Talking Therapy

Talking therapy can be helpful in treating Schizoid Personality Disorder. This is especially the case when childhood trauma is an issue, or past events need to be discussed and analysed in more detail. Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy can be useful for this.

Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy: Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy is a talking therapy that aims to help uncover and resolve unconscious beliefs that cause psychiatric conditions. Traumatic experiences that may or may not be buried in the unconscious mind can be highlighted and processed. Psychoanalytical psychotherapy involves talking to a trained therapist. The therapist can show the individual how early memories and past traumas have affected their thinking, behaviour and attitude in the modern day. Psychoanalytical psychotherapy is especially useful for any condition that involves past trauma. Renowned neurologist Sigmund Freud developed this therapy, which is typically completed over a long-term basis.

Aside from the above, there are many other types of talking therapies available. For more information, you can see our dedicated Therapy section.

Medication

There are no medicines that are specifically licensed for the treatment of Schizoid Personality Disorder. However, some symptoms can be helped by some medicines.

For example, those who have a low mood due to their symptoms may find some relief through Antidepressants. Or, those with symptoms that resemble the negative symptoms of Schizophrenia – like blunted affect and anhedonia – may be helped by a low dose of an antipsychotic.

Antidepressants: Antidepressants can help to improve and regulate mood. They should improve motivation and restore energy. SSRI Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed. They act on the brain chemical serotonin – which is thought to help in regulating mood and emotion. They may include side-effects such as a dry mouth, sexual problems and nausea, though these should hopefully be short-term. Other classes of antidepressants are available in the event of an inadequate reaction.

Antipsychotics: Antipsychotics (also known as neuroleptics) block the effect of dopamine – a chemical in the brain that is heavily linked to psychotic symptoms like hallucinations. They can also be useful for stabilising mood, and treating anxiety. They are not suitable for everyone however, and are often associated with many side effects like weight gain, dizziness and dry mouth.

Some people will see an improvement in their symptoms due to medication. But talking therapy generally provides the most effective treatment.

In some cases, Schizoid Personality Disorder can be a precursor to Schizophrenia. This will be monitored during treatment.

Summary

It is very important that anyone who is suffering with ill mental health seeks treatment. While not everyone with Schizoid Personality Disorder will wish to receive treatment, those with poor wellbeing usually will.

Irrespective of this, treatment is available for those who wish to seek it. For more content, remember that our website has a range of information available.

See Also

• Personality Disorder Section
• What Is The Prognosis for Personality Disorders?
• Therapy Homepage
• Medicine Homepage