SCHIZOID PERSONALITY DISORDER (SPD)
A schizoid personality disorder is a personality disorder marked by a long-lasting pattern of indifference to social relationships, with a limited range of emotional expression and a consistent shyness from interacting with others.
- People with this disorder may lack the desire to form close relationships with others or express their feelings meaningfully and are often seen as a loner or dismissive of others.
- People that suffer from this disorder are able to function fairly well in everyday life and in the society especially when they work under conditions of social isolation or work alone.
- The disorder usually begins in early adulthood, though some features may be noticeable during childhood.
- The disorder is not the same as schizophrenia, but evidence of shared genetic risk exists between the two disorders.
- However, people with schizoid personality disorder as compared with people suffering from schizophrenia are in touch with reality, so they are unlikely to experience hallucinations. They don’t have conversational patterns that are hard and strange to follow as they make sense when they speak.
CAUSES
The exact cause of the disorder is unknown. Personality forms during childhood and is shaped through the patterns of perceiving, relating to and thinking about the environment and about oneself.
Current research suggests that the disorder is caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors, particularly in early childhood.
Factors that can put an individual at a greater risk of developing the disorder may include:
- A family history of the disorder or schizophrenia
- Experiencing abuse or neglect as a child
- Having an emotionally detached parent.
SYMPTOMS
People with this disorder:
- Prefers being alone and doing activities alone.
- Has little interest in having sexual experiences with another person.
- Have difficulty expressing emotions and reacting appropriately to situations
- Don’t react or appears indifferent to praise or criticism of others
- Lack of close friends or confidants other than close relatives
- Shows emotional coldness, may seem humorless, or detached.
DIAGNOSING AND TREATMENT
The doctor will begin with a physical examination to rule any other medical condition that may be causing your condition
A mental health professional will complete a psychiatric assessment which may include a thorough discussion of your symptoms, answering questions about your childhood, relationships, and job history.
The diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association will also be used.
TREATMENT
Many people choose not to seek treatment because it involves interacting with others. However, treatment can be successful if you desire a change and can cause a great impact on your life.
Psychotherapy can be helpful. The most effective type of psychotherapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches you how to change your beliefs and behavior in social situations.
Group therapy can help you practice your social skills and interact with others. This will improve your comfort level in social situations.
Medication is used when other treatment options are not yielding. There are no FDA- approved medication to treat this condition, certain drugs can help with issues such as anxiety or depression.