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Schizoid Personality Disorder

Symptoms and Treatments

By Kendra Van Wagner, About.com

What is Schizoid Personality Disorder?

Schizoid personality disorders is a chronic and pervasive condition characterized by disruptive patterns of thought, behavior, and functioning. This type of personality disorder is believed to be relatively rare and tends to affect more men than women. Individuals with schizoid personality disorder are also at risk for experiencing depression.

Symptoms of Schizoid Personality Disorder

Individuals with schizoid personality disorder typically experience:
  • Detachment from other people.
  • Little or no desire to form close relationships with others.
  • Rarely participates in activities for fun or pleasure.
  • A sense of indifference to praise and affirmation, as well as to criticism or rejection.
  • Often described as cold, uninterested, withdrawn, and aloof.

Treatments for Schizoid Personality Disorder

Schizoid personality disorder is generally treated with psychotherapy. Types of psychotherapy vary, ranging from psychodynamic therapy to group therapy. Because personality disorders cause distorted thought patters, cognitive-behavioral therapy is often particularly effective in helping individuals adjust their thinking and behavior patterns.

Medications are sometimes utilized in combination with psychotherapy. Drugs such as antidepressants, anti-psychotics, and anti-anxiety medications are commonly used. However, medications are best used in combination with some form of psychotherapy and are not recommended as a sole treatment for personality disorders.

Further Reading:
Overview of Personality Disorders

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