Schizoid personality disorder is among the rare types of psychological disorders. schizoid personality disorder; It is a character disorder in which situations such as indifference to human relations, spending time alone, introversion, and monotonous behaviors occur. So what are the causes of schizoid personality disorder, how is it diagnosed and treated? All the details are here.
Schizoid personality disorder can be seen mostly in the transition period into adulthood and in some cases in childhood. People with this disorder are more likely to experience difficulties in environments such as school, work, and social environment. Individuals with schizoid personality disorder may have problems in their bilateral relationships and may struggle with loneliness.
People with schizoid personality disorder;
- They are limited in emotional expressions.
- They are cold and introverted to their surroundings.
- They are weak in social relations.
- They lead a monotonous life.
- They live in their own fantasy world.
- They do not show any reaction to criticism or praise made for them.
- They prefer actions and activities done alone rather than activities with several people.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SCHIZOID PERSONALITY DISORDER?
Although studies have reported that the exact causes of schizoid personality disorder cannot be known, they have suggested that some conditions may play a role in the development of schizoid personality disorder. Those situations can be summed up as follows.
- Genetic predisposition:The presence of parents with personality disorders in the family of the person may cause the individual to progress in this tendency.
- Environmental Factors:Factors such as emotional weakness, restriction, and a cold family environment experienced by the individual in childhood can also cause schizoid personality disorder.
- Social Miscommunication:Growing up in a non-social family during childhood is also effective in the development of this character disorder.
- Personal characteristics:The individual’s preference to engage in these behaviors and lead such a life may also be an important factor in the emergence of schizoid personality disorder.
HOW IS SCHIZOID PERSONALITY DISORDER DIAGNOSED?
It is diagnosed by clinical observation by experts in the field. There are some criteria used in diagnosis. These,
- Listening carefully and thoroughly for symptoms
- Listening to the patient’s history
- Performing a physical examination
- Looking for symptoms listed in the ‘Diagnostic and Statistics of Mental Disorders’ manual (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association
HOW IS SHIZOID PERSONALITY DISORDER TREATED?
The person with schizoid personality disorder does not think that there is a disorder in himself and therefore does not seek any treatment. Usually, the patient’s family or environment notices this and treatment begins at their request. A long treatment process may be required after the appropriate plan is created for the patient. Approaches used in the treatment of this personality disorder include:
- Individual Psychotherapy:It helps the person to better understand himself, his feelings and behaviors during therapy.
- Group Therapy:This therapy method contributes to the person’s empathy, development of social skills and ability to take collective action.
- Medication:There is no direct drug treatment that will correspond to and treat schizoid personality disorder, but if there are symptoms such as depression and anxiety associated with it, drugs can be used to treat them.
If schizoid personality disorder is diagnosed early, its risks and severity can be reduced.