Schizoid personality disorder is considered one of the eccentric personality disorders, in that persons with this disorder often appear odd or peculiar. The overall picture of schizoid personality disorder is detachment from human relationships. Persons with this disorder do not form close relationships with significant others or even family members. They isolate themselves in their job, performing solitary work activities. They may have severe difficulties when required to interact with other coworkers in an intense or intimate way. Schizoid individuals are usually aloof, showing little emotion. They react to praise or criticism with indifference and have difficulty expressing anger, even when directly provoked. They often react with severe passivity, and may be unable to take pleasure in any activities, especially social.
This profound detachment results in a lack of social skills, difficulty with forming friendships or dating, and lack of desire for intimate sexual experiences. Schizoid personality disorder is more commonly diagnosed in males than females. Most people with schizoid personality problems do not seek help on their own. Often they become more and more isolated, reaching a crisis once their coping skills are exhausted. Persons with schizoid personality issues may have alterations in how they perceive social cues and interpersonal behaviors. They may be prone to daydreaming, creating a fantasy world in their head, which serves as a defense mechanism. In contrast to persons with avoidant personality characteristics, who long for social interactions but are unable to obtain them, persons with schizoid traits do not desire close social relationships.
Persons with schizoid personality disorder ofter appear to be "drifting" in life, with a seeming lack of direction or attachment to anything. Accordingly, other psychological issues co-occur with schizoid personalities, including depression, other personality disorders such as schizotypal or avoidant, and rarely, psychosis or schizophrenia. Schizoid personality disorder is more common in families with schizophrenia or schizotypal personality disorder. It should be mentioned, however, that a person with schizoid personality disorder is able to function fairly well, in contradistinction to the schizophrenic.
As discussed, persons with schizoid personality disorder rarely seek treatment, in concert with their desire for social isolation. When they do present for treatment, it is often at the behest of a family member or loved one, or at a time of personal crisis. It is important that when treatment is initiated, a caregiver or facility is chosen with experience in dealing with this disorder. Oftentimes treatment is difficult as persons with schizoid personality disorder have difficulty communicating and may be reticent to form a relationship with a therapist. An intensive program such as PCH schizoid personality disorder treatment facility is an appropriate choice for immersive treatment. Psychoanalysis is the basis of treatment, and PCH schizoid personality disorder treatment center Los Angeles has highly trained doctoral level therapists with expertise in treating this problem. The PCH schizoid personality disorder treatment facility features five individual therapy sessions per week and a wide spectrum of group therapies. PCH schizoid personality disorder treatment center Los Angeles also promotes holistic healing through the use of yoga, mindfulness meditation, acupuncture, massage and art therapy. We believe our schizoid personality disorder treatment center is state of the art, with unique expertise in treating this disorder.
