Telephone: 

604-548 6688

Fax: 

604-548 6700

Click here 

for Address & Maps

Language:

Schizoid Personality Disorder

http://www.nami.org
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net

What is schizoid personality disorder?

People who have schizoid personality disorder do not want relationships with other people. It's not that they hate people, they just prefer to be alone. They have a lot of trouble understanding and expressing emotions.

What is the cause?

The exact cause of this disorder is not known. Experts think it may be caused by differences in the brain or nervous system. It might also be related to problems in the family such as financial stresses, death of loved ones, mental illness, or abuse. For example, people who were often rejected or abused as a child might have learned to avoid people as a way to protect themselves. Schizoid personality disorder usually starts in the late teen years. The risk is increased if someone in the family has schizophrenia.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of this disorder include:

  • not wanting or enjoying close relationships, including being part of a family
  • not having strong emotions
  • almost always choosing to be by themselves
  • having little, if any, interest in having sex with another person
  • not taking pleasure in activities
  • lacking close friends
  • not caring about praise or criticism from others
  • seeming detached, unresponsive, or emotionally cold

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider or therapist will ask about your symptoms and examine you. He or she may also:

  • ask about your relationships with family, friends, and co-workers
  • give you a personality test
  • suggest lab tests to rule out medical problems
  • make sure medicines are not causing or increasing your symptoms
  • rule out other mental health problems

If you have 4 or more of the symptoms listed above and they interfere with your life, you may be diagnosed with this disorder.

How is it treated?

Psychotherapy can help you see yourself more clearly. It helps you recognize the effects of your behavior on others. This can help you change behaviors that get in the way of living a satisfying life.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a way to help you identify and change thoughts you have that are not realistic. CBT can make you aware of unhealthy ways of thinking. It can also help you learn new thought and behavior patterns.

Medicine is usually not prescribed to treat this disorder, unless you also have symptoms of major depression or anxiety.

When should I seek help?

If your symptoms are seriously interfering with your daily life, seek help from your healthcare provider or a mental health professional. Without treatment this disorder will be lifelong.

For more information, contact:


Developed by RelayHealth.
Adult Advisor 2012.1 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2011-10-17
Last reviewed: 2010-08-09
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2012 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
Contact KPJ Penang Specialist Hospital Call: 04-548 66 88 Contact Us Online Request an Appointment