Schizoid Personality Disorder
Published on 30 July 2008 - 8:51
The 4th article and quiz in our series on the Personality Disorders focuses on Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD). We don’t know what causes the disorder, though we must assume that both genetics and environmental factors are involved. As with individuals with Paranoid Personality Disorder it is challenging to treat these solitary individuals. They may consider therapy either intrusive or threatening – or both. Some therapeutic techniques and medications have proved to be beneficial in treating some of the symptoms associated with this disorder. We continue to look for answers.
Individuals with Schizoid Personality Disorder have difficulty expressing (or feeling) anger, this is in part what makes them appear emotionless. Also, they may seem to lack ambition and direction. SPD individuals may appear stoic in the face of adversity and even when other important life events happen. Because they are uninterested in sexual relationships and have underdeveloped social skills they may remain unmarried and virtually friendless. We don’t know if they prefer this or are simply limited by their symptoms. If these individuals find employment that does not put demands on their social skills they may actually do quite well. Without the demands of relationships they can focus entirely on their occupations.
Take our free Schizoid Personality Disorder Quiz and learn more about SPD.
2 Comments | Tags: Personality Disorders, Quizzes •
July 20th, 2010 at 1:33 am
Actually no, the profiles aren’t the same. For example, impairment in the use of nonverbal communication is a diagnostic criteria for Asperger’s Syndrome but not Schizoid Personality. But there’s not just one criteria unique to Asperger’s Syndrome, there are many. Another is that Asperger’s Syndrome can involve repetitive motor mannerisms. This is not part of the diagnostic criteria for Schizoid Personality. On the other hand, Schizoid Personality involves traits such as indifference to praise or criticism, which are not mentioned the the criteria for Asperger Syndrome. Asperger’s Syndrome and Schizoid Personality are not the same, at least in terms of how diagnosticians have defined the terms.
February 12th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
I believe that sciziod personality is an outdated term. I believe the correct term is, Aspergers Syndrome or High-Functioning Autism. The profiles are the same.