Schizoid Personality Disorder

This condition is usually diagnosed in early adulthood. Symptoms include:

• being detached
• preferring to be alone
• avoiding social situations
• not desiring relationships
• seeming dull or indifferent
• inability to enjoy activities
• trouble relating to others
• lacking motivation

Most people with this condition have a relative with schizophrenia, schizoid personality disorder, or schizotypal personality disorder. Other risk factors include:

• environmental factors, which seem to have the most impact during childhood
• experiencing abuse or neglect as a child
• having an emotionally detached parent

This disorder occurs more commonly in men than women.

Your doctor will begin with a complete physical examination. This looks for any physical conditions that may be causing your symptoms. Your doctor may also refer you to a mental health professional.

A mental health professional will complete a psychiatric assessment. This may involve filling out questionnaires about your symptoms and thoughts. You will also have an interview with the mental health professional. They will ask you questions about your childhood, relationships, and job history. Your responses will help the mental health professional give a diagnosis. They may also create a treatment plan for you, if you’re interested in pursuing treatment.

Many people choose not to seek treatment because this includes interacting with others. However, treatment can be successful if you have a desire to change.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to change behavior. It can be a successful treatment for this condition because it teaches you how to change your thoughts about and behaviors in social situations. This may change reluctance to pursue social relationships.
• Group therapy is another option that can help you practice your social skills. This will help you become more comfortable in social situations.
• Medication is generally not used unless other treatment methods aren’t working. There are no FDA-approved medications to treat personality disorders. However, medications may be used to treat other conditions that occur along with personality disorders, such as depression or anxiety. Bupropion may be used to increase feelings of pleasure. Antipsychotic medications can be used to treat feelings of indifference.

This is a chronic condition that has no cure. Some people with the disease may not be able to hold a job or be in a relationship with other people. However, many people are able to hold jobs and live fairly normal lives. If you’re living with schizoid personality disorder, speak with your doctor about creating a treatment plan for you.