Schizoid Personality Disorder
Personality Disorders
A personality disorder is a persistent pattern of emotions, cognitions and behavior that results in enduring emotional distress for the person affected and/or for others and may cause difficulties with work and relationships. DSM-5 divides the personality disorders into three groups or clusters. The cluster division is based on resemblance. Cluster A is called the odd or eccentric clusters; it includes paranoid, schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders. Cluster B is the dramatic, emotional or erratic cluster; it consists of antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders. Cluster C is the anxious or fearful cluster, it includes avoidant, dependent and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders.
Cluster 'A'
Three personality disorders - paranoid, schizoid and schizotypal - share common features that resemble some of the Psychotic symptoms seen in Schizophrenia.
Schizoid Personality Disorder
People with Schizoid Personality Disorder show a pattern of detachment from social relationships and a limited range of emotions in interpersonal situations. They seem aloof, cold and indifferent to other people. The term Schizoid is relatively old, to describe people who have a tendency to turn inward and away from the outside world. These people were said to lack emotional expressiveness and pursued vague interests.
SYMPTOMS
- Neither desire nor enjoys close relationships, including being part of a family.
- Almost always chooses solitary activities.
- Has little, if any, interest in having sexual experiences with another person.
- Takes pleasure in few, if any, activities.
- Lacks close friends or confidants other than first degree relatives.
- Appears indifferent to the praise or Criticism of others.
- Shows emotional coldness, detachment, or flattened affectivity.
CAUSES
Psychological: Very limited range of emotions; apparently cold and unconnected and unaffected by praise or criticism.
Biological: Maybe associated with lower density dopamine receptors.
Social / Cultural: Preference for social isolation; lack of social skill; lack of interest in close relationship, including romantic or sexual.
TREATMENT
Learning value of social relationships and social skill training with role playing may help the people with Schizoid Personality Disorder.
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REFERENCE
David H. Barlow, BOSTON UNIVERSITY
V. Mark Durand, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA- ST. PETERSBERG
2. ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY: 9TH EDITION
Davision G.C., Neale, J.M. and Kring, A.M.
3. ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
Allov. L.B.: Riskind, J.H. and Manos, M.J.
4. ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY AND MODERN LIFE. NY: Harper and Collins. 2000
Carson. R.C. and Butcher. N.J.