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Schizoid Personality Disorder

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KEY POINTS

  • Schizoid personality disorder is a condition that causes you to avoid relationships with other people. You have a lot of trouble understanding and expressing emotions.
  • This disorder changes the way you relate to others and the way you think about everyday activities. Therapy may help.
  • Get emergency care if you have serious thoughts of suicide or harming others.

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What is schizoid personality disorder?

Schizoid personality disorder is a condition that causes you to avoid relationships with other people. You have a lot of trouble understanding and expressing emotions.

What is the cause?

The exact cause of this disorder is not known. Possible causes include:

  • The brain makes chemicals that affect thoughts, emotions, and actions. Without the right balance of these chemicals, there may be problems with the way you think, feel, or act. People with this disorder may have too little or too much of some of these chemicals.
  • Stress plays a part. You may be at higher risk due to problems such as abuse, financial stresses, or the death of loved ones.
  • Problems in your family when you were growing up may increase your risk. For example, if you were often rejected or abused as a child, you might have learned to avoid people as a way to protect yourself. Your risk is higher if someone in your family has schizophrenia.

Schizoid personality disorder usually starts in the late teen years. It is more common in men than in women.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

  • Almost always choosing to be by yourself
  • Not having strong emotions
  • Not wanting or enjoying close relationships, even with family members
  • Not taking pleasure in activities, including sex
  • Seeming cold and not caring about what other people think or feel

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider or a mental health therapist will ask about your symptoms and any drug or alcohol use. He or she may also:

  • Ask about your relationships with family, friends, and coworkers
  • Give you a personality test
  • Make sure medicines are not causing or increasing your symptoms

You may have lab tests to rule out medical problems.

How is it treated?

This disorder changes the way you relate to others and the way you think about everyday activities. Therapy may help.

  • Talk therapy involves talking with a therapist about your problems and issues, and working toward solutions.
  • Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a way to help you identify and change views you have of yourself, the world, and the future. CBT can make you aware of unhealthy ways of thinking. It can also help you learn new thought and behavior patterns.

Medicine may be prescribed if you also have problems with anxiety or depression. You may be hospitalized if you are suicidal.

How can I take care of myself?

  • Get support. Consider joining a support group in your area. You may get helpful feedback from other group members to help you solve problems. You can learn and practice healthier ways to deal with other people.
  • Learn to manage stress. Ask for help at home and work when the load is too great to handle. Find ways to relax. For example take up a hobby, listen to music, watch movies, or take walks. Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises when you feel stressed.
  • Take care of your physical health. Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Eat a healthy diet. Limit caffeine. If you smoke, try to quit. Avoid alcohol and drugs. Exercise according to your healthcare provider's instructions.
  • Check your medicines. To help prevent problems, tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the medicines, natural remedies, vitamins, and other supplements that you take.
  • Contact your healthcare provider or therapist if you have any questions or your symptoms seem to be getting worse.

Get emergency care if you or a loved one has serious thoughts of suicide or harming others.

For more information, contact:

Developed by RelayHealth.
Adult Advisor 2016.4 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2016-05-26
Last reviewed: 2014-11-10
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.
Copyright © 2016 RelayHealth, a division of McKesson Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.
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