by : Juliet Cohen

People with schizoid personality disorder are in touch with reality unless they develop schizophrenia. Genetics and environmental factors both come into play of Schizoid Personality Disorder. Some mental health professionals speculate that a bleak childhood where warmth and emotion were absent contributes to the development of the disorder. Environmental factors later in development can either exacerbate or ameliorate expression of genetic or neurodevelopmental defects. The onset and course of schizophrenia are most likely the result of an interaction between genetic and environmental influences. Evidence for neurodevelopmental disruption are starting to converge: neurodevelopmental disruption may be the result of genetic and, or, environmental stressors early in development, leading to subtle alterations in the brain. Symptoms of Schizoid Personality Disorder is Lacks close relationships other than with immediate relatives ,Indifferent to praise or criticism ,Shows emotional coldness, detachment or flattened affect and Exhibits little observable change in mood. People with the disorder rarely seek treatment. Individual therapy that successfully attains a long-term level of trust may be useful in certain cases of schizoid personality disorder by giving patients an outlet to transform their false perceptions of friendships into authentic relationships. Group therapy is another potentially effective form of treatment. Comprehensive treatment, including services existing beyond the formal treatment system, is crucial to ameliorate symptoms, assist recovery, and redress stigma

Causes of Schizoid Personality Disorder

Common Causes and Risk factors of Schizoid Personality Disorder

Genetic factors.

Environmental factors.

Chromosomal or nervous system disorders.

Family history - such as having a parent who has any of the disorders on the schizophrenic spectrum.

Signs and Symptoms of Schizoid Personality Disorder

Sign and Symptoms of Schizoid Personality Disorder

Lacks close friends or confidants other than first-degree relatives

Appears indifferent to the praise or criticism of others.

Shows emotional coldness, detachment, or flattened affectivity

Exhibits little observable change in mood

Difficulty relating to others.

Treatment of Schizoid Personality Disorder

Common Treatment of Schizoid Personality Disorder

Psychotherapy. Cognitive behavior therapy - which focuses on adjusting the thinking and behaviors that cause problems - can help a person with schizoid personality disorder develop social skills and increase sensitivity to interpersonal cues.

Group therapy can be more effective when people with the disorder can interact with others in practicing new interpersonal skills. Group therapy may also offer people with schizoid personality disorder a support structure and increase social motivation.

Self-help programs, family self-help, advocacy and services for housing and vocational assistance complement and supplement the formal treatment system.

Medications-The psychological inability to experience pleasure can be treated with bupropion (Wellbutrin). Risperidone (Risperdal) or olanzapine (Zyprexa) can help with flattened emotions and social problems.

DSM-IV-TR , a widely used manual for diagnosing mental disorders (Schizoid Personality Disorder).