Schizoid personality
Schizoid personality disorder (SPD) is a personality disorder characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships, a tendency towards a solitary lifestyle, secretiveness, emotional coldness, and apathy. It affects more males than females. If you have schizoid personality disorder, you may be seen as a loner, and you may lack the desire or skill to form close personal relationships.
Symptoms
- Prefer being alone and usually choose solitary activities
- Prize independence and have few close friendships
- Feel confused about how to respond to normal social cues and generally have little to say
- Feel little if any desire for sexual relationships
- Feel unable to experience pleasure
- Come off as dull, indifferent or emotionally cold
- Feel unmotivated and tend to underperform at school or work
The disorder manifests itself by early adulthood through social and emotional detachments that prevent people from having close relationships. People with it are able to function in everyday life, but will not develop meaningful relationships with others.
Many people with schizoid personality disorder don’t seek out treatment. A diagnosis for schizoid personality disorder is made by a mental health professional comparing your symptoms and life history. They will make a determination whether your symptoms meet the criteria necessary for a personality disorder diagnosis.
Treatment of schizoid personality disorder typically involves long-term psychotherapy with a therapist that has experience in treating this kind of personality disorder. Medications may also be prescribed to help with specific troubling and debilitating symptoms.
