Schizoid Personality Disorder Symptoms, Diagnosis

Schizoid personality disorder symptoms appear as persistent distorted thought patterns, inappropriate behavior, and impaired social functioning. One of the more rare personality disorders, schizoid personality disorder appears to affect men more often than women. Most experts agree that schizoid personality disorder symptoms first show up in late childhood or early adolescence,

Symptoms of Schizoid Personality Disorder

Individuals with symptoms of schizoid personality disorder exhibit most or all of the following traits:

• Dull and humorless
• Socially distant (cold) and aloof
• Avoid close relationships, even those with family
• Indifferent to both criticism and praise
• Difficulty relating to others in social situations
• Take little pleasure in activities involving others, including sex
• Choose solitary activities and careers
• Behave in ways that others see as odd or eccentric
• Frequent daydreaming, creating vivid fantasies involving complex inner life experiences

For example, people with schizoid personality disorder symptoms may rarely smile or even nod in agreement during a conversation. Most individuals with the condition can function fairly well, but choose careers that allow them to work alone and that require little or no interaction with others. (For example, check out this list of famous people with schizoid personality disorder.) Their aloof, emotionally void attitudes may cause hurt feelings and misunderstandings among family and friends. This outcome tends to reinforce the schizoid's belief that relationships are more trouble than they're worth and put an unacceptable limit on personal freedom.

Diagnosis of Schizoid Personality Disorder

Diagnosis of schizoid personality disorder is based on a full physical and psychological evaluation. To determine whether you have the condition or not, your medical doctor will conduct a full physical exam to rule out any underlying medical conditions. He or she will also ask about and record your personal and family medical history.

Afterward, your doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for further evaluation. This mental health professional will ask you a number of personal questions and conduct a thorough psychological evaluation. He or she may even ask you some hypothetical questions about how you might react in certain social situations and about any daydreams or fantasies you might have.

It's important to answer questions with absolute honesty, so your health care provider can properly assess and diagnose you. Once you receive a diagnosis, your psychiatrist can begin to develop a treatment plan to help you cope with the disorder and enjoy a more fulfilling life.

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