Schizoid personality disorder treatment in Ontario

What is Schizoid Personality Disorder?

Schizoid Personality Disorder is a condition in which people avoid socialization and interaction, instead preferring to keep to themselves. People with this disorder also tend to have a limited range of emotional, facial, and verbal communication or experience. People with Schizoid Personality Disorder may come across as loners, as they do not enjoy having friendships, sexual or romantic relationships, and may even isolate themselves from their own families. They may also come off as cold or detached, as they are mostly indifferent to the social situations around them and are unresponsive to the praise or criticisms of others.

While some people with the disorder are able to develop long-term relationships, they prefer to remain physically and emotionally distant from their partners. Consequently, people with this condition tend to perform well in solitary jobs and tasks. These include astronomy, woodwork, technology, playing with pets, and daydreaming.

A typical thought expressed by someone with this personality disorder would be “life is a lot easier without the interference of others” or “What is the point of relationships?” You can watch the movie Flesh and Bone for a better understanding of this disorder, in which the character Arlis Sweeney portrays many characteristics of someone struggling with it.

Potential Causes & Risk Factors

The causes of Schizoid Personality Disorder are relatively unknown. However, clinicians understand that a combination of genetic, environmental, and developmental factors may contribute towards the Development Of This Condition. What is known is that men are more likely to have it than women. In addition, common risk factors include having a relative with Schizoid Personality Disorder, Schizotypal Personality Disorder, or Schizophrenia, as well as having experiences of emotionally distant parenting, neglect, or abuse, especially during childhood. People with Schizoid Personality Disorder may be more likely to develop another personality disorder, Depression, or an Anxiety Disorder.

Treatment For Schizoid Personality Disorder

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be used to treat Schizoid Personality Disorder. Through individual or group therapy sessions, the patient will learn to change their thoughts about their behaviour in social situations, pay attention to their positive emotions, and engage in social skills and assertiveness training. By participating in a trusting therapeutic relationship, the client can become less reluctant towards pursuing social relationships in their everyday lives.