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What Is Schizoid Personality?

Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression in interpersonal settings.

People with SPD often appear aloof, emotionally cold, and indifferent to social norms or relationships. But not because they’re anxious or paranoid, because they genuinely prefer solitude and have little interest in connecting emotionally with others.

Diagnostic Criteria: Symptoms and Examples

A person must show a consistent pattern of detachment from social relationships and limited emotional expression in interpersonal settings, beginning in early adulthood, and present in a variety of contexts. At least 4 out of 7 of the following must be met:

Neither desires nor enjoys close relationships, including being part of a family

People with SPD generally don't seek out social interactions or intimacy. They may not feel the need for companionship, emotional connection, or close bonds with others. Unlike those with social anxiety or other conditions that might cause discomfort in social settings, people with SPD simply don’t want or desire these types of relationships.

Even familial connections, which are typically considered fundamental and meaningful to most people, don't seem to hold much significance for someone with SPD. They may feel emotionally distant or disconnected from their family, and may even prefer to live in isolation rather than participating in family gatherings or close-knit relationships.

2. Almost always chooses solitary activities

Someone with SPD may be more inclined to spend time alone rather than with others, and they may feel more comfortable or at ease in solitary pursuits, such as reading, writing, or engaging in hobbies or tasks that don't involve socializing.

The desire for solitude is not driven by anxiety or fear of social situations but is instead due to a lack of desire or interest in forming close relationships. People with SPD often do not seek out or enjoy intimate social connections, which further reinforces their preference for solitary activities. They may simply prefer independence.

3. Has little, if any, interest in having sexual experiences with another person

They may feel little to no desire for sexual relationships or experiences with others. This is often due to their emotional detachment and preference for solitude rather than a specific aversion to sex due to religious reasons, nerves, trauma, shame, or another personal issue.

Someone with SPD might not have the same desire for romantic or sexual interactions that many people experience. It's important to note that this lack of sexual interest is just one aspect of SPD and not everyone with SPD will experience it in the same way. This disorder is characterized by a general pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression, not just in the sexual realm but across various aspects of social interaction.

4. Takes pleasure in few, if any, activities

Schizoids usually don't find joy in activities like socializing, hobbies, or events that others might enjoy, such as parties, gatherings, or entertainment. They may prefer solitary activities, but even those might not provide much satisfaction.

Someone with SPD may struggle to find meaning in most life experiences. This can lead to a sense of apathy or indifference toward everyday activities that others might find fulfilling. The emotional experience of individuals with SPD can be described as more "blunted" or "distant," meaning they don't always experience emotions like excitement, joy, or even sadness in the same way most people do. This could lead to a lack of enthusiasm for things that would typically be enjoyable, such as recreation, relationships, or creative endeavors.

5. Lacks close friends or confidents other than first degree relatives

People with SPD tend to be socially isolated by choice. They may not actively avoid relationships but simply find them unappealing, unnecessary, or uninteresting. They might not form friendships because they don’t see the value in doing so. While they may have family relationships, their social interactions are generally limited to these and do not extend much beyond them.

They might find the effort involved in maintaining friendships to be unnecessary or draining. The lack of confidants indicates that people with SPD are unlikely to share their deeper thoughts, feelings, or concerns with others.

6. Appears indifferent to praise or criticism from others

One of the central features of SPD is emotional detachment, which means individuals tend to be less emotionally reactive to both positive and negative feedback. They are less likely to seek out approval or feel hurt by criticism, as they don't typically place much value on other people's opinions. This indifference is not a form of defensiveness or passive-aggressive behavior but a deeper emotional disengagement.

People with SPD are often self-sufficient and don’t rely on external praise or criticism to shape their self-esteem. For example, if they accomplish something, they might not feel a sense of pride from others' praise, nor do they feel particularly demotivated if they are criticized. Their sense of self-worth is not based on others' opinions but on their own inner world, which they often keep private.

7. Shows emotional coldness, detachment or flattened affectivity

Affectivity refers to the experience and expression of emotions. A flattened affect means that the person may show little to no facial expression, tone of voice, or gestures to indicate how they are feeling. In essence, their emotional expressions appear muted, even in situations where others would typically show a wide range of emotions.

For example, someone with SPD might speak in a monotone voice or have a lack of facial expression, even when discussing something that would normally evoke strong feelings. They might seem robotic or emotionally unresponsive to those around them.

Fictional Case Study

Alvin, 30, starts therapy to help achieve some personal goals. He appears to be awkward during therapy, his tone is flat. There’s a certain emotional coldness and detachment about him. He’s rarely felt or shown strong emotions like anger or joy.

Other than immediate family, he has nearly no close friends. He has no desire to make friends, want a partner, or get closer with coworkers. This includes any sexual relationships. All his hobbies are solitary, like hiking, but they don’t give him much enjoyment.

Back in grade school, Alvin didn’t participate in any extracurriculars or dates. He didn’t feel a need to socialize, despite having classmates, he preferred to read, draw, or swing by himself. He felt like an outsider. At his job, he rarely if ever participates in any group activities and usually fades into the background.

Alvin is unaffected by criticism or praise, and when given a smile or a nod out in public, he doesn’t return it. Overall, he says he just wants to be left alone. He doesn’t see anything wrong with him.

After a thorough assessment, Alvin is diagnosed with Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD).

Self Assessment

The following statements are based on traits often associated with SPD. Note: this is not a diagnostic tool and should not be used as one- for yourself or others around you. A proper diagnosis should only be made by a qualified mental health professional. These statements may, however, help an individual reflect on their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. This inventory is provided for educational and entertainment use only.

I don't feel a need to share my feelings or experiences with others.
I don't have many close friends and, honestly, I don't feel like I need them.
Social activities feel pointless.
It's challenging for me to show my emotions spontaneously.
I don't easily express warmth or affection toward others.
Whether someone insults me or compliments me, it doesn't make a difference.
I'm not very curious about other people's lives.
Sex feels unimportant to me.
I often feel emotionally detached from others, even family members.

Next: Schizotypal Personality

Back To: Personality Disorders

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