Schizoid Personality Disorder

Schizoid personality disorder (ScPD) is a mental health condition that involves a general lack of interest in all types of relationships. People with ScPD also have a limited range of emotions when interacting with others.

People with schizoid personality disorder may seem aloof, disengaged and distant. They rarely seek help for the disorder because they think their behavior is normal.

ScPD is one of a group of conditions called “cluster A” personality disorders. They involve unusual and eccentric thinking or behaviors that affect daily functioning.

Schizoid personality disorder is relatively uncommon. About 1% to 5%of people in the United States have this condition.

Symptoms of schizoid personality disorder

The main symptom of schizoid personality disorder is detachment from and general disinterest in relationships. This applies to forming and maintaining bonds.

A person with schizoid personality disorder typically:

• Doesn’t want or enjoy close relationships, even with family members.
• Enjoys doing things alone.
• Has little or no desire for activities that most people enjoy.
• Rarely has or expresses strong emotions.
• Doesn’t care about praise or criticism from others.

Most personality disorders begin in the teenage years. But ScPD may start at an earlier age.

Schizoid personality disorder causes

Personality disorders are among the least understood mental health conditions. Researchers don’t know the exact cause of them. So far, they think the following factors may contribute to schizoid personality disorder:

• Genetic: People with cluster A personality disorders (including ScPD) are more likely to have a biological relative with schizophrenia.
• Environmental: Having parents or caregivers who were emotionally cold, neglectful and detached during childhood may play a role in ScPD.

How doctors diagnose this condition

Mental health providers diagnose schizoid personality disorder using the criteria for it in DSM-5. If they suspect ScPD, they ask questions that shed light on:

• Childhood history
• Relationships
• Work history
• Reality testing

Providers often work with the person’s family and coworkers to get more information. Personality disorders, including ScPD, can be difficult to diagnose. Most people with one of these disorders don’t think there’s a problem with their behavior or way of thinking. They may only get help if a family member urges them to.

How is schizoid personality disorder treated?

There’s no cure for schizoid personality disorder. It’s one of the least researched personality disorders. So, treatment options are limited.

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is generally the treatment of choice for personality disorders. But this may be difficult for people with ScPD. They’re often not upset by their disinterest in people. So, they may not have a reason to change.

Types of psychotherapy that may benefit people with this disorder include:

• Family therapy: Often, people with ScPD come to treatment at the request of family members. In some cases, this therapy may help family members understand expectations for relationships.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A therapist may use CBT to explore atypical views about the importance and usefulness of relationships.

What can I expect if I have this condition?

People with schizoid personality disorder generally live well-adjusted lives. Compared to people with other types of personality disorders, people with ScPD are less likely to experience anxiety or depression. This is especially the case if they’re not in social, educational or occupational situations that put pressure on their limited social skills.

If you have a family member with ScPD, it may be hard to cope with their emotional distancing. Reach out to a mental health provider if it’s causing you distress.

What is the difference between schizoid personality disorder and schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that causes a major break from reality. You may have hallucinations, delusions and extremely disorganized thinking and behavior. These symptoms greatly impair your daily functioning.

Schizoid personality disorder doesn’t cause hallucinations or delusions. The condition usually doesn’t significantly affect your day-to-day functioning.

“Schizoid” comes from Greek roots and means “to split.” Eugen Bleuler, a psychiatrist, used this word to name schizoid personality disorder in the early 1900s because people with it “split from” social interactions and emotional attachment. It’s different from the modern understanding of schizophrenia, which involves a “splitting of the mind” from reality.