Schizoid Personality Disorder

According to the DSM IV, symptoms of schizoid personality disorder are a continuous pattern of detachment from social relationships, a very restricted range of expression or emotion in personal or work settings. This usually begins in early adulthood. It is seen in a variety of different contexts.

According to the DSM IV, a person needs to meet four of the following criteria:

- Neither desires or enjoys close relationships, including being part of the family. They almost always choose solitary activities.
- Little or any interest in sexual experiences with individuals. Their pleasures are minimal.
- They clearly lack close friends.
- They are very indifferent to praise or criticism, and have very little affect or response to that.
- They are clearly emotionally cold, aloof and detached.

In order to meet this diagnosis, individuals must not also be suffering from another major Axis I diagnosis such as schizophrenia, or psychotic disorder.

Causes of Schizoid Personality Disorder

There are many theories regarding what contributes to a full blown schizoid personality disorder. These are only theories, and no founded research is available, only speculation. One can draw some conclusions, however. It is clear that traumas in one’s life, in early childhood or adolescence, and family dysfunction may precipitate the onset of social isolation and fear of social interaction. However, there is not one causative factor that has been singled out. One can reasonably assume that personality disorders, including schizoid, is clearly a protective mechanism to protect oneself and one’s ego from being hurt or damaged.