A diagnosis is made via a medical professional’s evaluation, based on specific criteria.
For medical professionals to diagnose schizoid personality disorder, individuals must have a persistent detachment from and general disinterest in social relationships and limited expression of emotions in interpersonal interactions, as shown by at least four of the following:
- They do not want or enjoy close relationships, including those with family members.
- They strongly prefer solitary activities.
- They have little, if any, interest in sexual activity with another person.
- They enjoy few, if any, activities.
- They have no close friends or confidants, except possibly first-degree relatives.
- They appear to be indifferent to the praise or criticism of others.
- They are emotionally cold and detached and do not express emotion in response to events or interactions with others.
Also, symptoms must have begun by early adulthood.