Symptoms of Schizoid Personality Disorder

Detachment from Others

Individuals with schizoid personality disorder seem to have no desire for close relationships with other people, including relatives.

They have no close friends or confidants, except sometimes a first-degree relative (such as a parent or sibling).

They rarely date and often do not marry. Because they prefer being by themselves, they tend to choose activities and hobbies that do not require interaction with others (such as computer games).

Sexual activity with others is of little, if any, interest to them. They also seem to experience less enjoyment from sensory and bodily experiences (such as walking on the beach).

Individuals with schizoid personality disorder do not seem bothered by what others think of think of them – whether good or bad.

They may seem aloof or self-absorbed. They do not notice normal social cues and thus may seem socially inept.

Limited Expression of Emotions

Individuals with schizoid personality disorder rarely react (for example, by smiling or nodding) or show emotion in social situations

They have difficulty expressing anger, even when they are provoked.

They do not react appropriately to important life events and may seem passive in response to changes in circumstances. As a result, they may seem to have no direction to their life.

Rarely, when these individuals feel comfortable revealing themselves, they admit that they feel pain, especially in social interactions.

Persistence of Symptoms

Symptoms of schizoid personality disorder tend to remain the same over time, more so than those of other personality disorders.