Schizoid personality disorder is one of the major types of personality disorder in which people stay away from social activities and also any type of interaction with others. Most of the time they feel lonely and they have no idea of forming personal relationships. Society views their behavior as eccentric or abnormal. The type of behavior they exhibit will seriously interfere with their family, work and relationship. They cannot form and maintain any type of serious relationship and the fact is that people with schizoid personality disorder are not aware that they have some problem. Therapy and medications may help to reduce the symptoms.
Main Features :
People with schizoid personality will have at least some of the features mentioned below:-
• Not enjoying any type of relationships including with that of family
• Prefer to be alone and choose jobs that are independent
• Have no interest in sex or pleasure
• Will not have any friends and they stay away from even their closest family members
• They are least bothered about the comments/criticisms of others
• They are emotionally cold and stay detached
Symptoms :
Individuals with schizoid personality disorder always prefer to stay alone and indulge in solitary activities. They do not know how to respond to normal social relationships and generally they say nothing or few words. They don’t know to experience pleasure or sexual activities. They stay emotionally cold and feel unmotivated. In case they are employed they are often criticized for underperformance. They do not show any expression to praise or criticism. Very often, they hallucinate or daydream and live in complex inner life.
Causes :
Exact cause of this disorder is not known. It is believed to be caused by genetic factors as well as environmental factors. The symptoms of schizoid personality disorder appear in early childhood or during adolescence. Some experts believe that bleak childhood without warmth and care may cause this disorder in children. It can be inherited if there is family history of schizophrenia or any other type of mental disorders in your family. Either your father or your mother would have been cold and unresponsive and this may affect your mind strongly. Parents or close family members having schizophrenic spectrum disorders can trigger schizoid personality disorder in you.