1. What Does It Look Like?
Schizoid personality disorder is a diagnosable disorder identified in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-VI) as an individual who displays a marked indifference to social interaction and interpersonal relationships. Schizoid personalities typically keep to themselves and prefer to keep human contact to a minimum. A lack of emotional affect may be present, as well as very few (if any) friendships that are forged. Schizoid personalities find refuge in intellectual pursuits (reading, computer games, building models) and find little interest in friendship or romantic or sexual relationships.
2. Schizoid Differs From a Loner
There is much misunderstanding among what constitutes a loner and what constitutes a schizoid individual. Loners may find it preferable to be alone and cherish their alone time, finding solace in intellectual pursuits or solitary activities. However, most loners will still forge at least one significant personal relationship and can find the company of others with whom they have formed strong relationships with quite enjoyable. Schizoid personalities are quite entrenched in their solitary position and will make very few strides at being friendly or entering into even the most casual relationships for fear of being overwhelmed by emotional demands they cannot meet.
3. When Is This a Problem?
Schizoid personality disorder (SPD) can become a problem when an individual finds themselves significantly held back in their personal or professional life. Often, families become worried at a loved one's lack of interaction with the outside world. In addition, schizoid personalities tend to find holding a job to be difficult because of the interpersonal element involved in most work environments. Their detachment and lack of emotion can translate as cold to others and can lead to increased isolation and withdrawal from society.
4. SPD Is not Schizophrenia
While SPD is on the spectrum of schizophrenia, it is not explicitly a form of schizophrenia. The "schizo" disorders are characterized by a lack of social functioning and relationship to other individuals. Emotional expressiveness is typically quite limited and relationship building is difficult, if forged at all. However, schizoid individuals rarely experience the delusions or difficulties in cognitive functioning or reality discernment that those with schizophrenia normally do.
5. Initiate the Help Process
Typically, schizoid individuals will only get help at the request of their families. Schizoid personalities typically have no problems with their lifestyle and personality and do not often feel the need to change. Nonetheless, psychotherapy and some medications (to help alleviate possible depression or anxiety) have proven very helpful for some schizoid sufferers. Group therapy is especially helpful in integrating social skills and emotional recognition into their lives, thus improving the quality and frequency of their interactions. It's also important to remember that a personality disorder is only a disorder if it is causing significant impairment in someone's life. Being supportive and respectful of an individual with schizoid tendencies is important.
