Tips on Schizoid Personality

Schizoid personality is grouped into personality disorders as described by the American Psychiatric Association. Cluster A personality disorders include schizoid, paranoid and schizotypal personalities. The University of Minnesota defines the Cluster A personalities as exhibiting characteristics such as socially detached, withdrawn and distrustful. Individuals can live healthy and productive lives with schizoid personality once a diagnosis is obtained and ongoing treatment begins.

Identification

• People with schizoid personality display non-emotional behaviors and appear socially inert. People who display characteristics such as these are often labeled as shy or humorless. A person that frequently avoids social situations or denies relationships of any kind may suffer from schizoid personality. It is common for the person to not know that he or she has a disorder that can be treated with therapy or medications. Seeking treatment for schizoid characteristics is a major step for many individuals.

Risk Factors

• Symptoms of social avoidance or relationship distress can lead to other problems in the person's life. According to the Mayo Clinic, schizoid symptoms can lead to issues such as other personality disorders, major depression, anxiety, sleeping problems, social phobias, or drug and alcohol addiction. Personality disorders such as schizoid or schizotypal likely derive from both hereditary and environmental factors. Factors such as past abuse, neglect, or a family member who suffered from a personality disorder could put an individual at higher risk to have schizoid personality disorder.

Diagnosis

• A person concerned about schizoid symptoms should seek medical advice from a physician. The physician may refer him or her to a specialist. The doctor or specialist will review the patient's medical history and family history and sometimes conduct a physical exam, as well as an in-depth interview to find out what symptoms are occurring. Doctors attempt to rule out other common diagnoses such as autism before leaning toward a personality disorder. The doctor will diagnose the patient with schizoid personality disorder if the symptoms correspond with those described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Contributing symptoms of the disorder include low pleasure in activities, few friends or relationships and emotional coldness to others.

Treatment

• A number of treatment options are available for people who have schizoid personality disorder. Treatments vary depending on the individual, and not all patients benefit from current options. A number of drugs are prescribed for the symptoms related with schizoid personality but are not directly manufactured to cure or treat the entire disorder. According to the Mayo Clinic, medications such as bupropion or risperidone are commonly prescribed for symptoms. Doctors may recommend individual or group therapy for the patient. Schizoid personality disorder is considered a chronic illness and does not often improve in significant steps over time, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.