Schizoid Personality Disorder
It is characterized by a marked detachment from social relationships and a preference to perform other activities alone, feeling little or no pleasure in performing these activities. This disorder usually appears in early adulthood, and treatment should be done as soon as possible to avoid complications. It usually consists of psychotherapy sessions and medication administration, if symptoms of anxiety and depression are associated. The characteristic symptoms of a person with Schizoid Personality Disorder are:
- Lack of interest in establishing intimate relationships, including being part of a family;
- Preference in performing solitary activities;
- Expression of little or no interest in having sexual experiences with the partner;
- Lack of pleasure to implement activities;
- Lack of close or confidential friends except for first-degree relatives;
- Indifference when receiving praise or criticism;
- Demonstration of coldness and emotional detachment.
It is not yet known for sure, what are the causes of this type of personality disorder. Still, it is thought that it may be related to hereditary factors and childhood experiences, since it is during the child’s development that the young mind learns to interpret social signals and respond appropriately. Some factors that may increase a person’s risk of suffering from this personality disorder include having a family member with a schizoid or schizotypic personality disorder or schizophrenia.
People with Schizoid Personality Disorder may develop other personality disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety disorders. Hence, treatment should be done as soon as the first symptoms appear.
Treatment is usually carried out with psychotherapy sessions with a psychologist or psychiatrist. In some cases, if the person develops depression or anxiety disorders, it may also be necessary to resort to pharmacological treatment, with medications for anxiety and depression.