A schizoid personality disorder is a mental health condition that begins in early adulthood. It is characterized by a lack of social interaction, even with family and friends. It is a common disorder that usually lasts a lifetime. The exact cause of this disorder is unknown, but it can be managed with medications.
What is a schizoid personality disorder?
A schizoid personality disorder is a condition that gets characterized by the unwillingness to participate in social interactions and relationships. Patients tend to be cold and distant, even with friends and family. They often appear as people who are indifferent to any situation and do not care about other people.
What are the symptoms of schizoid personality disorder?
People who have schizoid personality disorder exhibit the following symptoms:
- They prefer being alone and spending their work, leisure, and study time alone.
- They do not form close relationships, even with family.
- They desire little to no sexual relationships, even with their partner.
- They feel like they cannot feel pleasure.
- They have difficulty in feeling and understanding emotion.
- They do not know how to react to situations appropriately.
- They appear cold, distant, humourless, and emotionless to other people.
- They do not have any goals or motivation.
- They do not react to praise or criticism with suitable responses
When to consult a doctor
People with schizoid personality disorder often neither recognize symptoms nor do seek treatment when they do. They often look to cure conditions that accompany it, such as depression.
What causes schizoid personality disorder?
Personality begins developing when you are young, and it shapes more and more with time. It is formed by the interaction of environmental and genetic factors, especially during early childhood. Having a blood relative who has a schizoid personality disorder, schizotypal personality disorder or schizophrenia, can increase the chances of developing the condition. Having a parent who is cold, unresponsive to emotional needs, and neglectful can influence a child to acquire this disorder.
How is schizoid personality disorder diagnosed?
The diagnosis for schizoid personality disorder is through your symptoms, medical history, and personal history. The family medical history will also play a role as this condition is partially genetic.
How is schizoid personality disorder treated?
With early and appropriate treatment, a patient can see significant progress and improved quality of life. Here is how schizoid personality disorder is usually treated:
- Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy is a common approach used in schizoid personality disorder treatment. It uses a modified version of cognitive-behavioural therapy that can help change behaviour and beliefs. A therapist will know how to speak to them, help them and give them personal space.
- Group therapy: Group therapy is a great way to support and help people with mental and emotional wellness problems. It can give them a platform or community consisting of people with similar problems. People usually help each other under the guidance of an experienced counsellor. In schizoid personality disorder support groups, an individual can interact with other people trying new interpersonal skills that they have not used before. In time, these support groups will help a person become more social and warm.
- Medications: Medications may be prescribed to manage anxiety, depression, and other conditions that often accompany this disorder.
Conclusion
Schizoid personality disorder can often affect one’s social life and family relationships. It does not pose any physical threat to health. However, it may complicate life by causing depression and anxiety. Getting treatment can prevent complications and improve the quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is schizoid personality disorder noticeable?
A schizoid personality disorder is first seen in people when they approach adulthood. Rarely, they exhibit few signs during their childhood. This condition often affects their work-life unless they work alone.
What are the similarities and differences between schizoid personality disorder and schizotypal personality disorder?
Although schizoid personality disorder and schizotypal personality disorders are two different conditions, they exhibit various similarities. The similarities between the two conditions are severely limited ability to maintain social relationships and lack of expression. People of both disorders get viewed as eccentric. While these traits make these conditions similar, they differ since schizoid personality disorder patients have touch with reality, do not hallucinate, and can speak coherently and clearly with proper sense and logic.
Can schizoid personality disorder lead to other conditions?
Having a schizoid personality disorder can increase the chances of a person developing:
- Schizophrenia, schizotypal personality disorder, and other delusional conditions.
- Personality disorders.
- Depression
- Anxiety and related disorders.
