Schizoid Personality Disorder (301.20

behavioral therapy, which challenges their maladaptive belief system. In the end, it is difficult

to establish rapport with these individuals as they are mistrustful of others. Untreated

individuals will have difficulty in workplace, educational, and social settings, often being

unemployed or underemployed. They may wish to be intimate with others but know they

cannot trust another that intimately.

This is referred to as SPD and is another cluster A disorder. This occurs in less than 1 percent of

the general population and involves individuals who stay away from close, personal

relationships, choosing instead to remain away and detached from others in society. They

engage in solitary activities and choose jobs that keep them away from frequent human-to-

human interaction. They see themselves as societal “bystanders” rather than being involved

and active in society.

This is not seen commonly, even in psychiatric populations. It is seen more commonly in males

and among criminal offenders. No one knows the etiology of this disorder but it does seem to

be related to schizophrenia (but not as severe in nature). It has a lot of similarities to the

negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as a lack of emotion, avoidance of others, and lack of

motivation. It has some parallel features to other personality disorders, particularly narcissistic,

avoidant, and antisocial personality disorders.

The major feature is fear of the world with more comfort known by being isolated, secluded,

and hidden from the rest of the world. They are extremely submissive and seek validation from

within other than from other people. Their apathy often makes them more easily manipulated

by others. Their isolation puts them at a higher risk of depression compared to people without

the disorder.