What is Schizoid Personality Disorder?
Schizoid Personality Disorder is a condition in which people avoid socialization and interaction, instead preferring to keep to themselves. People with this disorder also tend to have a limited range of emotional, facial, and verbal communication or experience. People with Schizoid Personality Disorder may come across as loners, as they do not enjoy having friendships, sexual or romantic relationships, and may even isolate themselves from their own families. They may also come off as cold or detached, as they are mostly indifferent to the social situations around them and are unresponsive to the praise or criticisms of others.
While some people with the disorder are able to develop long-term relationships, they prefer to remain physically and emotionally distant from their partners. Consequently, people with this condition tend to perform well in solitary jobs and tasks. These include astronomy, woodwork, technology, playing with pets, and daydreaming.
A typical thought expressed by someone with this personality disorder would be “life is a lot easier without the interference of others” or “What is the point of relationships?” You can watch the movie Flesh and Bone for a better understanding of this disorder, in which the character Arlis Sweeney portrays many characteristics of someone struggling with it.
Signs and Symptoms
While this disorder usually begins by early adulthood, some signs and symptoms may be present earlier. These include:
- A preference for being alone all or most of the time
- A lack of desire for close relationships with friends, significant others, or family
- Avoidance of social activities and situations
- Taking pleasure in little to no activities
- A struggle to relate to other people
- Difficulty expressing emotions in situations
- Appears cold, aloof, and/or detached from others
- Appears to lack motivation or goals
- Indifference towards praise or criticism from others
Potential Causes & Risk Factors
The causes of Schizoid Personality Disorder are relatively unknown. However, clinicians understand that a combination of genetic, environmental, and developmental factors may contribute towards the development of this condition. What is known is that men are more likely to have it than women. In addition, common risk factors include having a relative with Schizoid Personality Disorder, Schizotypal Personality Disorder, or Schizophrenia, as well as having experiences of emotionally distant parenting, neglect, or abuse, especially during childhood. People with Schizoid Personality Disorder may be more likely to develop another personality disorder, depression, or an anxiety disorder.
Treatment for Schizoid Personality Disorder
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be used to treat Schizoid Personality Disorder. Through individual or group therapy sessions, the patient will learn to change their thoughts about their behaviour in social situations, pay attention to their positive emotions, and engage in social skills and assertiveness training. By participating in a trusting therapeutic relationship, the client can become less reluctant towards pursuing social relationships in their everyday lives.
Get in Touch
If you are interested in therapy for Schizoid Personality Disorder in Vaughan, Thornhill, Markham, or the GTA, please call or text 905.597.4404 or fill out the form below and you will be contacted within 24 business hours.
CBT Psychology For Personal Development is located at 7626 Yonge St, Thornhill, ON L4J 1V9.
Our psychologists and psychotherapists offer therapy in Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, York Region.
We offer counselling across Ontario through teletherapy (online counselling using secure video platforms).
