Some people are shy, find it difficult to share their emotions, and avoid socializing. Today, we’ll discuss what is schizoid personality disorder; its symptoms, causes, and treatment.
What is Schizoid Personality Disorder?
SPD (schizoid personality disorder) is a pervasive and chronic condition in which a person feels shy from interacting with others consistently and avoids social activities. Their emotional expression is very limited.
People with SPD condition avoid any type of social activity and situation that comprises of interacting with other people and feel withdrawn and distant. It’s difficult for them to express and share their emotions, and have got a limited desire to establish a close relationships with others.
It’s a rare condition that tends to impact more males than females. People with SPD conditions are also at the risk of developing and experiencing depression.
Symptoms of Schizoid Personality Disorder
Some of the main symptoms of schizoid personality disorder are as follows;
- Described as aloof, withdrawn, uninterested, and cold
- Not enjoying the family and social relationship
- Not participating in the pleasurable and fun activities
- Indifferent attitudes towards expectations and social norms
- Limited or no desire to establish a close relationship with others
- Feeling detached from others
- Indifferent sense towards affirmation, praise, rejection, or criticism
- Preoccupation with fantasy and introspection
Work-Life Impact
People with SPD conditions don’t get married, rarely go on the date, and have got limited friends. It becomes highly difficult for them to deal with the symptoms if their job requires people skills or social interaction. However, people with SPD conditions perform better in such jobs and professions that comprise work in loneliness.
Typical Onset
You can notice the early signs of SPD condition in early childhood, but it becomes apparent in early adulthood. Its symptoms affect various areas of life like work, school, family, and relationships.
Others describe people with SPD conditions as aloof, detached, and cold. People with SPD conditions want to be alone, but they would feel social isolation and loneliness as a result.
Causes of Schizoid Personality Disorder
Researchers don’t know the exact and precise cause of schizoid personality disorder. May experts say that the combination of environmental and genetic factors plays their part in developing SPD condition.
A vast majority of factors shape the personality of a person like social interactions, parenting, education, childhood experiences, tendencies, and inherent traits. All these factors play their role in developing the SPD condition.
Diagnosis of Schizoid Personality Disorder
Your healthcare provider would analyze various symptoms and try to find the underlying medical conditions that are contributing to the development of such symptoms. Your doctor would refer you to a psychologist. According to the diagnostic criteria of DSM-5, a person with SPD condition would exhibit any of the 4 following symptoms;
- Not having any close friends other than the immediate family members
- Showing little or no interest in the sexual intercourse with other people
- Limited desire to enjoy the company of close personal relationships
- Indifferent attitude towards praise or criticism
- Experiencing little pleasure from the joyful activities
- Limited emotional expression and emotional detachment
- Choosing solitary activities
A psychologist or mental health professional would diagnose the schizoid personality disorder and devise a plan to treat its symptoms. Generally, ordinary practitioners don’t have sufficient training and expertise to diagnose such type of uncommon conditions. It’s possible that they would mix it up with other types of mental health conditions.
Rarely do people with SPD conditions seek out treatment on their own. They only go to the doctor when the condition and symptoms impact various areas of their lives.
Treatment of Schizoid Personality Disorder
It’s difficult to treat the symptoms of schizoid personality disorder. It’s because people with SPD condition rarely seek out treatment for the condition, and it’s challenging for them to establish a relationship with their therapist. However, the period of social isolation and loneliness outlines SPD’s condition and it makes it difficult for them to find assistance and support.
It’s easier for people with SPD conditions to establish a relationship that focuses on recreational, occupational, and intellectual pursuits. It’s because such types of relationships don’t rely on emotional intimacy and self-disclosure.
Some of the main treatment plans are as follows;
- Medication: doctors prescribe medicines to treat SPD like anxiety and depression. Sometimes, doctors prescribe medication in combination with group therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy to amplify its impact.
- CBT: cognitive behavioral therapy helps people with SPD conditions to recognize difficult and problematic thoughts, and teaches them healthier ways to deal with them. The group therapy helps them to amplify their communication skill
- One-on-One Therapy: it’s intimidating for them because it demands a great level of social interaction. It’s an effective treatment approach when the client or patient is not feeling pressured or under emotional demands.
Conclusion: What is Schizoid Personality Disorder? Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
After an in-depth study of what is schizoid personality disorder; its symptoms, causes, and treatment; we have realized that SPD could badly disturb your life and isolate you. If you’re experiencing its symptoms, then you should discuss it with your therapist.
Ahsan is an accomplished researcher and has a deep insight in worldly life affairs. He goes Live 3 days a week on various social media platforms. Other than research writing, he’s a very interesting person.
