Antisocial Personality Disorder	Avoidant Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder	Dependent Personality Disorder
Narcissistic Personality Disorder	Obsessive-Compulsive Personality
Paranoid Personality Disorder	Schizoid Personality Disorder
Schizotypal Personality Disorder	Personality Disorders Home
Histrionic Personality Disorder

Individuals 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, and make no effort to start or maintain friendships. They often seek out employment that requires as little human contact as possible, but can form functional relationships when needed.

Individuals with this disorder seem neither to desire nor enjoy closeness with others, including romantic or sexual relationships, and generally are unable to sustain marriage if one is attempted. They care nothing for acceptance and do not seem affected by praise or criticism. They often consider themselves observers rather than participants in their environment, and do not suffer from the odd thought process associated with the other cluster A personality disorders.

Diagnostic Criteria for Schizoid Personality:

A. A pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of expression of emotions in interpersonal settings, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four (or more) of the following:

(1) neither desires nor enjoys close relationships, including being part of a family

(2) almost always chooses solitary activities

(3) has little, if any, interest in having sexual experiences with another person

(4) takes pleasure in few, if any, activities

(5) lacks close friends or confidants other than first-degree relatives

(6) appears indifferent to the praise or criticism of others

(7) shows emotional coldness, detachment, or flattened affectivity

B. Does not occur exclusively during the course of Schizophrenia, a Mood Disorder With Psychotic Features, another Psychotic Disorder, or a Pervasive Developmental Disorder and is not due to the direct physiological effects of a general medical condition. Note: If criteria are met prior to the onset of Schizophrenia, add "Premorbid," e.g., "Schizoid Personality Disorder (Premorbid)."

Treatment of Schizoid Personality:

It is very uncommon for an individual with this disorder to seek treatment unless compelled to do so because of another condition, a crisis or a loss of employment. Therapy is not generally very successful unless continued for a very long time. During therapy the schizoid individual is taught social skills and encouraged to value social relationships.

Personal Stories of Schizoid Personality:

If you would like to share your story of living with this disorder, or if you are a loved one of an schizoid individual and would like to tell your tale - please email me and I will include it on this page.