Schizoid Personality Disorder

Personality disorders are mental health disorders that are defined by established and enduring patterns of behaviour and thinking that interfere with your ability to function and maintain healthy relationships, and in general, impact your life negatively.

There are 10 personality disorders that are divided into 3 clusters:

  • Cluster A: Odd or abnormal behaviour
  • Cluster B: Dramatic or emotional behaviour
  • Cluster C: Anxious or fearful behaviour

Schizoid personality disorder is categorized under Cluster A (odd or abnormal behaviour) and is characterized by a lack of motivation or need to interact with the outside world. Schizoid personality disorder shares two traits with schizophrenia: detachment and a lack of outward emotion. However, the two are separate disorders, as those with schizophrenia have hallucinations and other extreme symptoms that those with schizoid personality disorder do not.

Symptoms & signs of schizoid personality disorder include:

  • Feelings of apathy towards others
  • Lack of emotions due to feelings of coldness, non-interest, or detachment
  • Preference for being alone
  • Extreme preoccupation with an inner fantasy world
  • Marked preference for solitude
  • No desire to have close, personal relationships with others
  • No reaction to other’s praise or criticism

When is it time to get help?

Unfortunately, like many other personality and mental health disorders, the affected person doesn’t always see the need or have the motivation to seek help, so oftentimes, it’s other people who suggest treatment. If you have difficulty maintaining relationships with others – especially in areas (such as work, family, or school) where its important to have healthy relationships, then you may benefit from support. It’s also possible that if left untreated, other mental health concerns such as depression or anxiety may also be present.

Schizoid personality disorder treatment methods

Treatment methods that may be effective in treating schizoid personality disorder include:

  • Acceptance and commitment therapy encourages clients to accept the difficulties and misfortunes of life. Clients learn coping techniques to not dwell on negative emotions by staying in the present.
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach to treatment that focuses on how people’s thoughts, emotions, and beliefs influence their behaviour and how they perceive themselves.
  • Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a treatment method that is similar to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) but emphasizes building skills to manage stress, mental health issues, and the psycho-social aspects of relationship building.
  • Psychodynamic therapy’s core principle is that the unconscious mind harbours deep-rooted feelings and memories, which affects behaviour. Psychodynamic therapists work within this model by attempting to maintain more of an equal relationship with their client while also adopting the attitude of unconditional acceptance and trust

To choose the right combination of treatments, an assessment will first be done, to rule out other causes or disorders. Together with your therapist, you’ll find the treatment method that best suits your unique personality and circumstances.

What will I get out of treatment with Insight Psychological?

By meeting with a therapist, you can learn to manage your schizoid personality disorder and find ways to interact with others that can make your life easier. You can practice strategies to make your relationships healthier and more meaningful, and to find peace within yourself. We have knowledgeable and non-judgmental therapists who can support you. Please call us today! 

 

 

 

Brooke Hendricks

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Assessments

Loriann Quinlan

Edmonton South, Edmonton West, Online

Adults, Seniors

Brandi Enns

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Families, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality, Assessments

Sabrina Brady

Edmonton Central, Edmonton North, Online

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality, Assessments

Karla Buchholz

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Families, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality

Terri Mulveney

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Children (3-5), Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17), LGBTQ community

Nikesha Deenoo

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Sexuality

Nicole Donovan

Edmonton South, Online, Sherwood Park

Adults, Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17)

Kathryn Maier

Edmonton North, Online

Adults, Children (3-5), Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17), Families, Assessments

Cody Cobler

Edmonton North, Online

Adults, Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17), Families, LGBTQ community

Dawn Doucet Banting

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Children (3-5), Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Families, Couples, LGBTQ community

Chantelle Owen

Edmonton South, Edmonton Central, Online, Edmonton West

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Families, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality

Luke Suelzle

Edmonton South, Online, Edmonton Central

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Families, Couples, Sexuality

Kim Phua

Edmonton North, Online

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Families, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality, Assessments

Dr. Hendriatta Wong

Corporate Services

Shirley Leonard

Corporate Services

Shaheel Hooda

Corporate Services

Lisa Standeven

Corporate Services

Tara-Lee Goerlitz

Corporate Services

At this time, Insight Psychological does not have therapists who specialize in this specific area, but that doesn’t mean we can’t help you! Please contact us to talk with our Intake Personnel to find a therapist that is a good fit for you and your unique circumstances.