Key Takeaways
Schizoid personality disorder (ScPD) is characterized by a strong preference for being alone and little interest in close relationships. People with ScPD often seem emotionally distant and may not show much emotion around others.
ScPD is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors, including being raised by a neglectful or abusive caregiver.
Talk therapy can help people with ScPD learn to improve emotional expression, reduce interpersonal conflict, and achieve personal goals.
Personality disorders significantly impact the way people think, feel, and connect with others. You may have heard of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD), but there are actually 10 different personality disorders. One of the less commonly discussed and diagnosed conditions is schizoid personality disorder (ScPD).
ScPD is associated with a strong preference for solitude and a lack of interest in forming close relationships. People with ScPD prefer to spend their time alone and may appear emotionally detached. Most people with ScPD don’t seek treatment, so the exact prevalence is unknown, but some counts suggest that it affects up to 3% of people in the U.S.
If you are open to treatment for ScPD, meeting with a mental health provider is an important first step. Therapy offers a safe space to recognize unhelpful behaviors, develop new coping skills, and manage any co-occurring conditions, like depression or anxiety.
Recognizing symptoms of schizoid personality disorder
People with ScPD typically lack interest in close connections with family, friends, or romantic partners. They may have a limited range of emotions and often come across as cold, detached, or indifferent.
To be diagnosed with ScPD, a person should exhibit at least four of the following symptoms starting in early adulthood. You may have ScPD if you:
Don’t want or enjoy relationships with other people, even family members
Prefer solitary activities, like reading, gaming, and photography
Find pleasure in few activities
Have little to no interest in sexual activities with another person
Have few close friends to confide in
Don’t care what other people think of you and aren’t affected by praise or criticism
Don’t show emotion in social situations, which makes you appear cold and detached
What conditions are similar to ScPD?
Personality disorders are grouped into categories called clusters. ScPD is in cluster A, along with schizotypal personality disorder (STPD) and paranoid personality disorder (PPD). These three conditions involve unusual thoughts and behaviors and interpersonal problems.
Unlike those with ScPD, people with schizotypal personality disorder may want close relationships but feel too scared or anxious to build those connections. People with paranoid personality disorder also have trouble maintaining relationships, but this is usually because of irrational fears and distrust of others.
ScPD can also appear similar to:
Antisocial personality disorder: Although the name seems fitting for symptoms of ScPD, people with antisocial personality disorder don’t typically have the same desire to be alone as people with ScPD.
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD): People with C-PTSD may appear detached but often want meaningful connections with others. They’re also usually more aware of how their past trauma affects their current thoughts and behaviors.
What causes schizoid personality disorder?
ScPD is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors. People may be more likely to develop ScPD if they have a relative with ScPD, schizotypal personality disorder, or schizophrenia.
Your upbringing can also increase your risk of developing ScPD. For example, being raised by a distant or neglectful caregiver may lead you to believe that relationships with other people aren’t necessary or rewarding. Adverse childhood experiences — like neglect and abuse — can also contribute to trust issues and social withdrawal.
Coping with schizoid personality disorder
Living with ScPD can come with unique challenges. Many people with ScPD prefer spending time alone, find it hard to express emotions, or experience difficulty confiding in others — even people they trust. While these experiences can make relationships and daily life more difficult, there are ways to cope and support your well-being. These self-help ideas are not a replacement for professional care, but they may be a helpful starting point.
Some approaches that may help:
Start with small steps in communication. Try talking first about everyday topics like hobbies or routines, and gradually share more personal thoughts when you feel ready.
Build a predictable daily routine. A consistent schedule for meals, sleep, work, and free time can help reduce stress and bring a sense of stability.
Use creative outlets for expression. Journaling, drawing, or music can offer a safe way to explore feelings if talking about emotions feels uncomfortable.
Practice self-soothing strategies. Deep breathing, gentle stretching, holding a warm mug, or spending quiet time in a calming space can help you feel more grounded.
Set healthy boundaries. Allow yourself alone time when you need it. Taking breaks during social activities can help prevent emotional overwhelm.
Seek support that fits your comfort level. Beginning with online or skills-based therapy may feel easier at first. And if therapy feels challenging, it can help to let your therapist know that opening up is hard for you. You can work at a slower pace and get the support that best fits your needs.
Can treatment help with schizoid personality disorder?
Most people with ScPD don’t seek professional support unless a family member or close friend encourages them to do so. But if you’re open to it, working with a mental health provider can help you better understand yourself and other people. Treatment may vary based on symptom severity and any co-occurring conditions but typically includes talk therapy and skills training.
The goal of treatment is to manage the way symptoms impact your life. Through techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), you can learn to identify and challenge distressing thoughts and behaviors. For example, if you notice that certain personality traits are affecting your ability to succeed at work, therapy can help you find actionable solutions. It can also help you gain valuable social and cognitive skills, like self-awareness, nonverbal communication, and active listening.
Clinician's take
In my clinical experience, people with schizoid personality disorder often have a hard time opening up emotionally and building trust. So I focus on creating a safe, non-judgmental space while encouraging small steps toward increasing self-awareness and interpersonal engagement.
Find care with Rula
Generally speaking, people with schizoid personality disorder aren’t interested in building relationships or confiding in others, including therapists. Rula’s team of compassionate mental health professionals understands this, which is why it’s our priority to help you find a provider you can trust.
Rula’s network of over 15,000 mental health providers means we can match you with a therapist who understands your unique concerns and is available to provide the individualized support you deserve. With just a few clicks, you can find a therapist who accepts your insurance and can meet with you via live video as soon as tomorrow.
