Symptoms of Schizoid Personality Disorder

Schizoid personality disorder is often confused with a similar condition, Avoidant Personality Disorder. As the symptoms are virtually identical, the distinction may be hard for a therapist to differentiate between them. The core of the disorders lie in whether the person suffering from the personality disorder wants conduct and is afraid to interact with others, or if the person is more than comfortable spending time alone.

The name may seem a little confusing at first because while it can be associated with schizophrenia, it is not necessarily an indicator that the person will develop the disease. The symptoms include a lack of desire to engage in relationships with other, including family member. The person generally has no interest in sex and takes no pleasure in anything. While the Avoidant is overly sensitive to criticism, a schizoid personality is indifferent and may not have any close acquaintances other than family members. The activities they choose are often solitary and the prefer isolation. The speech of a schizoid personality may be flat or unaffected.

The exact cause of the illness is unknown although environmental and genetic factors probably play a role with it having a slightly higher occurrence in families who already have a history of the illness. Like it's near twin, Avoidant personality disorder, this mental illness is more often seen in men than, unlike full blown schizophrenia which occurs more frequently in women.)

Symptoms of this personality disorder usually appear in teenage years or early adulthood. In addition to a family history of the illness, other factors such as suffering abuse or experiencing a childhood environment of neglect or scorn may increase the risk of a person developing this illness.

There is no specific drug that exists to treat the disorder itself, although anti-depressants may help with other underlying issues such as depression or anxiety. Drugs exist for the patient to rediscover pleasure, and medications such as Risperadol may cause a more expressive emotional range.

Often people with the disorder will not seek treatment out and will wind up either being referred to a therapist by a family member or worse being ordered by a court to seek treatment. Because of the nature of it, schizoid personalities do not often seek help from mental health professionals as they easily adapt to their lives the way they are and see nothing wrong with their behavior. Placing the person in a group setting may help them develop better social skills.

Sources:

http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-pe02.html

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/schizoid-personality-disorder/DS00865/DSECTION=5

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/schizoid-personality-disorder/DS00865/DSECTION=5