Schizoid Personality Disorder
What is Schizoid Personality Disorder?
Schizoid personality disorder is one of many personality disorders. It can cause individuals to seem distant and emotionless, rarely engaging in social situations or pursuing relationships with other people. Schizoid personality disorder can contribute to isolation and loneliness; being alone can be a normal, desirable part of life for people with schizoid personality disorder.
Schizoid Personality Disorder Symptoms
Talk to your doctor about testing and treatment if you or a loved one experience any of these schizoid personality disorder symptoms:
- Difficulty expressing emotions or acting appropriately in emotional situations
- You prefer being alone or isolated from others
- You do not take pleasure in many, or any, activities
- You have few relationships, including family, friends, or romantic partners
- You are not affected by or do not notice the emotional distress of others
- Avoid activities that involve other people
- Appear emotionless, humorless, or indifferent to others
- You do not desire or enjoy close personal relationships
- You are disinterested in praise or criticism
Schizoid Personality Disorder Causes and Risk Factors
Schizoid personality disorder has no definitive cause. Some risk factors may increase your chances of developing schizoid personality disorder, including:
- Complications at birth
- Head or brain injuries
- A family history of schizophrenia disorders or other mental health conditions
- Misuse of alcohol or drugs
- Exposure to viruses, illnesses, or malnutrition before birth
- Trauma, especially emotional and physical abuse, violence, or abuse in the home during childhood, and trauma caused by war
- Having a parental figure who is cold, neglectful, and remote
Schizoid Personality Disorder Treatment
Many types of treatment are available to cope with schizoid personality disorder, and these treatments can be very effective. Talk to your doctor about creating a treatment plan that helps you control your symptoms and learn to reach out to others.
Medication: Anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants can help control the symptoms of your disorder.
Therapy: Group therapy, occupational therapy, and self-help programs can teach you new coping skills and help you learn about how to develop relationships. Learn more about your therapy options.
Education: Learning more about your triggers and behaviors that you should watch out for as you learn more about living with your disorder is essential to your success. Learn more about mental health.
Support: It can be beneficial for you to know that you’re not alone in feeling this way. Find a support group at Sheppard Pratt.
