Overview
Behavior pattern in which the individual is detached from social relationships has a restricted range of emotions. Individuals with Schizoid personality Disorder are often preferred to be alone and do not take interest in any activity.
Individuals with Schizoid personality Disorder have trouble working at jobs that require social interactions. They rarely date and often do not marry. But, these individuals, excel in a position that requires work in solitude.
Diagnostic criteria for Schizoid personality disorder
The important feature to diagnose is detachment and little interest in social interactions. lack of intimacy. Criteria for diagnosis:
- lack of desire for intimacy and little interest in opportunities that could develop a relationship.
- choosing to always alone, and picking hobbies that do not require other people
- little interest in sexual intimacy and do not take pleasure in such activities
- indifference to praise or criticism
Schizoid personality disorder must not be diagnosed with on course of Schizophrenia, depressive disorder, epilepsy, and any psychotic mediation effects.
Symptoms of Schizoid personality disorder
Apart from the diagnostic criteria, individuals with this disorder often develop:
- Anxiety
- Developing schizophrenia or delusional disorder
- Depression
- Social anxiety
- decreased cognitive performance (rare)
- other complication related to solitude
During a course of healthy social development, any child will learn and understand social protocols. But individuals with this disorder often do not have the opportunity, particularly in their childhood, to learn social cues and/or have genetic factors. It is assumed that both early childhood experience and genetic factors play a major role in causing this personality disorder.
Risk Factors
- Having a parent or a close relative with Schizophrenia
- Experience in childhood- Physical and emotional abuse
- having a parent who was neglectful and unavailable for emotional support
- living in an environment where social interactions can be dangerous
Coping and Treatment
Apart from medications for anxiety-depression(if needed), Psychotherapy is often applied to manage the symptoms of schizoid personality disorder. The most challenging part of therapy is to form a trustworthy relation with the patient. Patients with this disorder do have any interest in making any form of relationship, thus making the work of the therapist more challenging.
- Schizoid personality disorder develops during childhood and adolescence where the child gives preference to loneliness and has poor peer relationships. Starting the therapy during this early stage can help the child develop social skills which can not be developed later.
- Schizoid people manage to develop relationships that do not require any form of intimacy. So, patients must be encouraged to develop relationships based on intellectual levels, occupational relationships.
Word from PSYCHHELP
Schizoid personality disorder is a lifelong issue and can not be completely treated. Management of the symptoms from therapy is the best suitable option. Giving access to therapy from an early stage helps in coping with other complications of the disorder. Learning social skills and forming peer relationships should be inculcated from an early stage.
No medication is prescribed solely for Schizoid personality disorder but prescribed for the management of depression and anxiety. If you are or someone you know might be at risk of developing this disorder, Consult a psychologist today.
If you or someone you know is suffering, Do not delay mental health. Even the right decision at the wrong time is too late. Support is always available and never shy away from support seeking. Consult a psychologist today !!