Schizoid personality disorder
Alternative Names
Personality disorder - schizoidWhat is Schizoid personality disorder
Schizoid personality disorder is a condition in which affected person avoids social activities and consistently shies away from interaction with others. If you have schizoid personality disorder, you may be seen as a loner, and you may feel as though you have no idea how to form personal relationships.
Others may see you as a dull or humorless. Because you don't tend to show emotion, you may appear as though you don't care about what's going on around you. However, although you may seem aloof, you may actually feel extremely sensitive and lonely.
The cause of schizoid personality disorder is unknown. Therapy and medications can help.
Signs and symptoms
People with schizoid personality disorder often are reclusive, organizing their lives to avoid contact with other people. Many never marry or continue to live with their parents as adults. Other common symptoms include the following:
- They do not desire or enjoy close relationships, even with family members.
- They choose solitary jobs and activities.
- They take pleasure in few activities, including sex.
- They have no close friends, except first-degree relatives.
- They have difficulty relating to others.
- They are indifferent to praise or criticism.
- They are aloof and show little emotion.
- They might daydream and/or create vivid fantasies of complex inner lives.
Possible complications
People with this condition are at an increased risk of:
- Schizophrenia
- Major depression
- Anxiety disorder, characterized by prolonged worry or uneasiness
What causes
The exact causes of schizoid personality disorder are unknown. This disorder may be related to schizophrenia and it shares many of the same risk factors. However, schizoid personality disorder is not as disabling as schizophrenia. It does not cause hallucinations, delusions, or the complete disconnection from reality that occurs in untreated (or treatment-resistant) schizophrenia.
Prevention
This disorder generally stems from the patients family. So much cannot be done to prevent it. However, a loving, caring, emotionally supporting and a caring environment would best help prevent Schizotypal disorder.
Treatment
Treatment of schizoid personality disorder typically involves long-term psychotherapy with a therapist that has experience in treating this kind of personality disorder. Medications may also be prescribed to help with specific troubling and debilitating symptoms.
