schizoid disorder

Schizoid personality disorder has a complicated past. It was originally conceptualized as the personality type associated with schizophrenia. However, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders states that schizoid personality disorder should not be diagnosed if the pattern of behavior occurs exclusively during the course of schizophrenia. But this does not mean that the two cannot co-occur. Schizoid personality disorder most often co-occurs with schizotypal, paranoid, and avoidant personality disorders. At the turn of …

…closeness and feelings of isolation. Many support groups exist within communities throughout the world that are devoted to helping individuals with schizoid personality disorder share their common experiences and feelings. Patients can be encouraged to try out new coping skills and learn that social attachments to others do not have to be ravaged by fear or rejection. They can be an important part of expanding the individual's skill set and develop new, healthier social relationships.