Schizoid personality disorder is a condition in which individuals avoid social activities and continually avoid interactions with others. The prevalence of schizoid personality disorder is low, with an estimated rate of 3% in the general population.
Its exact cause is unknown, but it is believed that there may be a combination of genetic and environmental factors in the development of the illness.
Symptoms of schizoid personality disorder include lack of interest in interpersonal relationships, emotional restraint, apathy, emotional coldness, and indifference to criticism or approval from others. Symptoms usually appear in adolescence or early adulthood and may be associated with other mental disorders, such as schizophrenia.
Diagnosis of schizoid personality disorder is made by clinical assessment and psychological testing.
Treatment usually includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy and supportive therapy.
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), American Psychiatric Association, 2013.
- Torgersen S. Epidemiology. In: The Oxford Handbook of Personality Disorders, Widiger TA (Ed), Oxford University Press, New York 2012. p.186.
- Torgersen S. Prevalence, sociodemographics, and functional impairment. In: American Psychiatric Association Publishing Textbook of Personality Disorders, 3rd Ed, Skodol AE, Oldham JM (Eds), American Psychiatric Association Publishing, 2021. p.143
