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Schizoid personality disorder
Definition:
A pattern of indifference to social relationships, with a limited range of emotional expression and experience.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

People with schizoid personality disorder do not have schizophrenia; but it is thought that many of the same risk factors in schizophrenia may be factors causing schizoid personality disorder.
Symptoms:
  • Does not experience strong emotions
  • Does not desire or enjoy close relationships
    • Avoiding social activities that involve significant interpersonal contact
    • Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others
    • Has no close friends
  • Indifferent to praise or criticism
  • Aloof, cold affect
  • Exhibits little observable change in mood
Signs and tests:

A psychological evaluation may be performed; questionnaires and personality tests aid in the diagnosis.
Treatment:

People with this disorder rarely seek treatment. The treatment can be difficult due to their initial reduced capacity or desire to form a relationship with a health professional.
Expectations (prognosis):

People with this disorder are able to function in everyday life, but will not develop meaningful relationships with others. Controversially, there is some evidence to indicate that schizoid personality disorder may be the beginning of schizophrenia, or even a very mild form of it.
Complications:

Lack of social interaction is the most important complication.
Review Date: 5/18/2001
Reviewed By: Christos Ballas, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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