People living with schizoid personality disorder think, behave, and relate to people differently than others. Certain tips can help individuals care for people with schizoid personality disorder.

Personality disorders are conditions that affect a person’s thought processes, behavior, and ability to relate. People with a personality disorder typically behave differently than most other people.

With schizoid personality disorder, people often do not form close relationships with others and may have difficulty expressing emotions. There are various strategies that people can use to help care for individuals with personality disorders, including schizoid personality disorder.

This article discusses symptoms and treatments of schizoid personality disorder. It also outlines some tips for caring for people with the condition.

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Treatment can help manage the symptoms of schizoid personality disorder and help individuals live and cope with the condition.

Mental health professionals usually treat schizoid personality disorder using similar methods as for other personality disorders. These treatment options include psychotherapy and medication.

However, there is currently no approved treatment for managing schizoid personality disorder. Researchers have also not yet published studies about medication or psychotherapy for the condition. More research is needed on specific treatments for schizoid personality disorder.

Some studies suggest that psychotherapy can help people with schizoid personality disorder become less reclusive. Therapies that focus on social skills may help people with schizoid personality disorder improve their relationships with others. These can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Mental health professionals may also use medication to treat other conditions that commonly occur along with schizoid personality disorder. These conditions often include depression or anxiety.

Learn more about treatment options.

People with schizoid personality disorder have patterns of behavior and symptoms that start early in life. Their symptoms tend to stay stable over time, meaning they may not worsen with age or time.

Symptoms may include:

  • having difficulty forming close relationships with or relating to other people
  • preferring to be alone or choosing solitary activities
  • appearing aloof or distant
  • having little interest in sex or intimacy
  • appearing indifferent to others’ opinions of them
  • not feeling strong emotions

People with schizoid personality disorder do not usually experience symptoms of psychosis. Psychosis involves the distortion of a person’s thoughts and perceptions of reality. People with symptoms of psychosis may have difficulty recognizing what is and is not real.

Symptoms of schizoid personality disorder must not be due to having another mental health condition. They must also not be typical in a person’s culture.

Learn more about schizoid personality disorder.

There are various ways a person can help and care for a person with a personality disorder like schizoid personality disorder.

Adjust expectations and remain patient

If a person with a personality disorder is processing their emotions, avoid becoming involved in an argument. It might be better to wait until both people feel calmer before discussing any issues.

Setting clear boundaries and expectations can help both people manage difficult feelings and situations. It can be helpful for each person to know what they expect from each other. It may be useful to clarify the following things:

  • how both people expect to speak to each other
  • how both people expect to be spoken to
  • what each person is or is not able to help with

For the best outcomes, healthcare professionals usually encourage patience for those close to a person with schizoid personality disorder. They also ask for unconditional positive regard (UPR). UPR is a therapy approach where people show total support and acceptance for a person.

Avoid judgment

People can aim to listen to a person with a personality disorder without telling them certain things. For example, they should not tell them how to feel or say they are being overly sensitive.

People without a personality disorder may not fully understand why a person feels the way they do. It can, however, mean a lot for someone to acknowledge and value their feelings.

Change the focus of the relationship

A diagnosis of a personality disorder does not stop a person from being likable, intelligent, or funny. They can still be kind, creative, and highly motivated.

Reminding a person with a personality disorder of the positive aspects of their personality can reassure them that these characteristics are evident to others. This may be particularly important if they find it difficult to see these aspects themselves.

Educate oneself

Healthcare professionals normally recommend that the family of people with schizoid personality disorder learn more about the condition. Learning more about personality disorders may help challenge any stigma about them.

Personality disorders are complicated conditions. A person with a disorder may have to deal with other people’s misconceptions in addition to managing and living with their condition.

Encourage treatment

People with schizoid personality disorder are unlikely to seek out treatment for themselves. Individuals can help those with schizoid personality disorder by helping them find treatment and support.

Healthcare professionals can diagnose and help treat personality disorders, including schizoid personality disorder. They may prescribe psychotherapy or medication. Medication may also help treat certain personality disorder symptoms, such as mood shifts or anxiety.

Learn more about personality disorders.

The following are some questions people frequently ask about schizoid personality disorder.

How do you communicate with someone with schizoid personality disorder?

Sharing an interest in impersonal topics can help establish a relationship with someone with schizoid personality disorder. These topics can include possessions, collections, or hobbies.

What is schizoid fear of intimacy?

People with schizoid personality disorder tend not to have an interest in relationships with others. They may not enjoy close relationships or intimacy. This can sometimes be called fear of intimacy, although this does not appear to be a medical definition.

A person with schizoid personality disorder thinks, behaves, and relates to others in different ways than most people. They may not have an interest in relationships with others, may have difficulty expressing emotions, or prefer solitary activities.

Healthcare professionals use specific criteria to diagnose schizoid personality disorder. Although there are currently no approved treatments for schizoid personality disorder, they can prescribe therapy and medication to help manage symptoms.

People caring for those with a personality disorder can follow some tips to help them do so. These include adjusting expectations and remaining patient. They can also change the focus of the relationship and avoid judgment. Learning more about personality disorders, including schizoid personality disorder can also help.