Each person is endowed with certain character traits, which, in combination, make it possible to attribute him to one or another psychological type. The most difficult to diagnose and treat is the schizoid personality type, characterized by isolation and reticence. Such individuals stand out strongly against the background of other people, as they have interests atypical for society.

general characteristics

A schizoid is a person who has a psychological disorder, expressed in an increased need for security. He needs the most secure existence, and therefore he seeks protection in any place and situation.

People with schizoid mental disorder are extremely rare. They differ in non-standard behavior, which often frightens society. For example, they value personal space too much and are not able to let an outsider into it. As a rule, these individuals are aware of their features, but do not like to be mentioned by others.

To ensure their own safety, schizoids use the method of detachment from society. They are comfortable being alone and indulging in dreams and fantasies. Despite this, such people are not alien to human experiences, they just try their best to avoid negative emotions.

An individual with this personality type is rarely accepted by society, he is able to see what others do not see. This feature makes the schizoid engage in solitary activities, such as meditation or some kind of creativity. The detachment and isolation of the personality usually hide the desire to be significant for close people. But since a person does not know how to build long-term relationships and quickly gets tired of communication, intimacy does not arise. This leads to the fact that the schizoid feels more comfortable in the company of animals or small children.

Sometimes schizoid disorder is confused with autism. They share a dislike for increased attention. But, unlike autistics, schizoids are able to express feelings and can understand the emotions of other people. They are very smart and talented, but have no desire to acquire close and long-term contacts.

Schizoid disorder can be detected in early childhood. A child with this disease overreacts to external stimuli, such as loud noise or bright light. Any change in the environment can cause him discomfort, expressed in detachment and screaming. Such children do not like close contact and try in every possible way to escape from the hands of their parents, they may even give up the breast early in order to ensure their integrity and inviolability. Sometimes young mothers associate this with the sensitive skin of the baby or the presence of pain when sucking the breast.

It is possible to identify schizoid accentuation, that is, the hypertrophied development of certain qualities against the background of others, as early as 2-3 years. To do this, you need to pay attention to the behavior of the child and identify the main features.

Symptoms:

• emotional detachment;
• frequent being alone;
• difficult adaptation to new conditions;
• violation general norms and rules;
• ignoring the environment;
• isolation;
• wild fantasy;
• inability to express warm feelings.

Men

In adulthood, the schizoid syndrome becomes more and more clear-cut. So, men with this disorder in communication express impartiality and detachment, which for many women seems to be some feature of nature. Such individuals may behave aggressively and strangely, but only for personal protection.

In communication with the opposite sex, such men behave aloofly, which can be interpreted as disinterest. It is easier for them to bring a companion to a secluded place and spend time in silence than to waste energy on beautiful courtship and going to restaurants. From the outside, such individuals seem boring and stingy, and therefore the continuation of communication usually does not occur.

Women

In communicating with a woman of the schizoid type, you can also feel coldness and detachment. She would rather choose a secluded place than have fun with friends. Large crowds of people tire her.

You can identify such a person by appearance. As a rule, she looks extraordinary. For example, this person can calmly come to a business meeting in a light summer dress and an openwork hat, completely unaware that it looks out of place. For a schizoid woman, self-expression is much more important than the norms imposed by society.

A girl with schizoid syndrome is not particularly worried about appearance. This quality is inherent in men with this disorder. Appearance plays a minor role for them, and such people are more likely to hide the stain than try to wash it off. In everyday life, they also have a mess, in which the schizoids themselves are quite comfortable.

Women of this type of personality do not tolerate the invasion of personal space, and therefore cannot acquire love relationships. They dramatically change their mood, turning from a friendly lady into a closed and unapproachable person. Fear of physical intimacy often drives girls away from relationships with men. If people with a schizoid type still agree to an intimate relationship, then they do it without any emotions. They can start families, have children, but they will remain a mystery to their spouses.

Classification

In psychology, there are several classifications of accentuations, which makes it possible to attribute a person with a schizoid disorder to a certain subspecies.

According to Leonhard

So, the German psychologist K. Leonhard identified types of accentuations according to temperament, character and personality type in general. He singled out a demonstrative, pedantic, stuck, excitable, hyperthymic, dysthymic, cyclothymic, exalted, anxious and emotive personality.

• So, a demonstrative personality is determined by unconscious psychological defense, expressed in the removal from memory of moments that can harm the psyche. Such a person is prone to lies, which, in his opinion, is the pure truth. This type is distinguished by an increased sense of self-pity.
• But the pedantic personality is characterized by excessive concern. In everything and everywhere, such an individual looks for flaws, which causes internal tension.
• A stuck personality is not able to quickly switch from one experience to another, which makes them return to the lived sensations from time to time.
• In the excitable type, intolerance is often observed, manifested by outbursts of anger and physical impact. The lower the intellectual abilities of such an individual, the brighter the incontinence manifests itself.

• The hyperthymic psychotype has an optimistic outlook on life and looks at serious things too frivolously. Whereas the dysthymic type is characterized by increased seriousness and pessimism, which often manifests itself in a tendency to depressive states.
• Cyclothymic personality is able to change its behavior depending on the situation. But the exalted individual perceives too closely the world and therefore prone to frequent mood swings.
• The anxious type is constrained and unsure of himself. Such a person can be rude or rude, but only if he experiences anxiety and insecurity.
• An emotive person devotes too much time to personal experiences. He is distinguished by soft-heartedness and sincerity, which is easy to detect due to pronounced facial expressions.

According to psychologists, there is no holistic personality type. As a rule, one psychotype is closely related to another. For example, a schizoid can combine the qualities of both a demonstrative and an excitable personality.

By Lichko

Another psychologist, A.E. Lichko, believed that accentuation determines character traits, and not personality as a whole. In his opinion, some qualities can change under external pressure.

1. The psychasthenic schizoid does not know how to work in a team and is not able to take responsibility for others. He has great knowledge, but cannot voice his thoughts due to indecision and anxious suspiciousness. Such a person is defined by a weak nervous system and a tendency to apathy.
2. The sensitive schizoid is characterized by increased sensitivity and fragile internal organization. He does not know how to survive troubles and keeps grievances for a very long time. The inability to forgive the offender leads to the fact that such a person constantly replays what happened in his head, which brings himself to neurasthenia. Otherwise, the individual with this disorder is distinguished by modesty and conscientiousness.
3. The hysterical schizoid has a need for deep solitude and does not need public relations at all. He only makes contact when absolutely necessary. Sometimes this type creates around him a small group of people with whom he occasionally wants to spend time.

Schizoid disorder can manifest itself in two states.

1. Adynamic- defined by autistic traits. In this case, patients are distinguished by excessive sensitivity and poorly expressed self-sufficiency. They overreact to negative events and cannot stand disputes and scandals.
2. Stenic- is expressed in increased efficiency in a limited type of activity. These individuals always act cautiously and prudently, and are also distinguished by despotism and lust for power. The sthenic schizoid is not able to acquire friendships and does not know how to work in a team.

Sometimes schizoid disorder is equated with schizotypal, as they have similar symptoms. So, you can determine the schizoid from an early age, but the schizotype often develops in adulthood. Schizotypal disorder has severe symptoms, which manifests itself in obsessive fears, aggression, outbursts of anger and hallucinations.

The main difference between these two diseases is that, unlike schizoid disorder, schizothymia is not treatable.

Causes

To date, there is not a single proven reason that could provoke the development of a schizoid psychotype. All theories are based only on assumptions.

• Some psychologists believe that the development of this psychopathy is due to an unmet need for communication. They suggest that such children are born in dysfunctional families where there is no love and mutual understanding. Since childhood, these individuals feel parental hostility, and therefore become isolated in themselves and move away from other people.
• Other scientists suggest that this mental illness occurs against the background of the inability to create a comfortable environment around oneself. Schizoids cannot accept their own shortcomings and are unable to survive failures, and therefore lead a reclusive lifestyle.
• There is a version associated with cognitive areas of mental activity. They are determined by the blurring of thoughts and the complexity of perception. Such patients cannot perceive emotional condition people, and therefore are simply not able to respond to other people's feelings. This concept assumes the slow development of speech and motor skills in children, regardless of intellectual abilities.

Most psychologists agreed that the schizoid type develops in the presence of several factors. It may be a combination of biological, genetic, social and psychological circumstances that influence the formation of personality.

Methods of therapy

Psychotherapy is usually used to treat schizoid personality accentuation. But if the patient has concomitant mental illnesses, drug therapy should be used.

The best way to deal with this disease is a psychoanalytic approach. It implies a long work of a psychologist, who must act as carefully as possible, constantly maintaining a distance. The doctor should not focus on the characteristics of the patient and focus on his originality. To achieve location and trust is possible only by demonstrating acceptance out-of-the-box thinking schizoid.

You need to understand that few people with such a deviation will independently accept the problem and seek help. As a rule, such people come to see a specialist under pressure from their inner circle. In this case, therapy is unlikely to give the desired effect.

Helping patients cope with their condition is possible through group therapy, in which individuals can accept themselves through the study of similar people. For treatment, a comfortable environment is created, aimed at a feeling of complete safety. Of course, not all individuals are able to relax in an unfamiliar place and trust strangers, but with constant contact, participation in such therapy can be achieved.

In cognitive therapy, the doctor uses methods based on the experience of positive emotions. The patient is invited to explore the full range of feelings and to give the opportunity to understand each of them. In the future, the schizoid must learn to express positive emotions in pleasant life situations.

A schizo-like condition is a personality disorder that manifests itself in the form of voluntary isolation and a desire to reduce the level of interaction with other people. An overdeveloped fantasy and a penchant for incredible theories about the structure of the world make people feel uncomfortable when communicating with others. Being under the influence of the disease, a person ceases to understand the value of friendships and family relationships, and also refuses to accept the generally established rules of behavior. According to experts, the first signs of schizoid personality disorder appear in childhood. In this article, we propose to consider the features of this disease, and learn about the methods of its treatment.

Schizoid personality disorder is a type of pathology in which a person deliberately avoids any contact with other people.

According to experts, today there is no exact information regarding the causes of the development of schizoid mental disorder. However, the conducted studies helped to reveal the facts that became the foundation for theories about the mechanism of pathology development. Each of the theories is based on reliable facts, which indicates the possible ambiguous nature of the disease. According to doctors, the causes of the onset of the disease are associated with individual features human body. Let's take a look at the most credible theories:

1. Mutation. Every day, the amount of carcinogens present in the world around us is increasing. It is the increase in the amount of these substances that is one of the reasons for irreversible changes in the structure of genes. A situation is possible in which genetic changes will not affect the physiological health of a person, but the probability of passing on the altered gene to descendants remains high. Damaged genetic information, according to many experts, is the main factor provoking the formation of the disease.
2. Unfavorable family environment. Also in the scientific community there is an opinion that the disease in question is a manifestation of unmet needs in childhood. In infancy, every person needs the love and attention of their parents. The lack of such incentives leads to a change in the perception of the surrounding world, which makes a person in adulthood withdrawn and aloof. A person with schizoid personality disorder does not perceive himself as part of society, because his worldview is different from other people.
3. personal factors. There is a theory that the development of the disease is provoked by various complexes that affect the level of self-esteem. During interaction with other people, a person experiences acute discomfort, because he cannot create the necessary conditions for himself. Against this background, the patient begins to avoid communication with outside world recognizing himself as unworthy. The complex of one's own inferiority becomes the reason for the refusal to take a step towards immersion in society. In such a state, a person begins to strive for loneliness and independent pastime.
4. Violations in the cognitive sphere. Mental activity has an increased influence on the model of behavior. As a result of the research, it was possible to reveal the fact that most people with schizoid personality disorder suffer from cognitive impairment. It is possible that many patients feel the need for communication, however, violations of mental activity prevent the construction of communication links. The inability to give a clear verbal definition of one's own thoughts creates a feeling of discomfort. It is the feeling of unspokenness that leads to the idea that the only way out of this situation is voluntary removal from society.

People of the schizoid type have no friends, they are cold, unable to maintain relationships for a long time.

Clinical manifestations of the disease

A schizoid is a person who, being in a large company of people, prefers to avoid communication. In the case of an appeal, such a person tries to use monotonous phrases that do not have an emotional coloring. In most cases, such people prefer a classic style of dress, but in rare cases, schizoids pay little attention to their appearance.

There are many indirect and direct signs of the presence of the disease. Speaking of such signs, first of all, we should mention the lack of a sense of pleasure. It is for this feeling that most people take various actions and pay attention to all-round development. A sense of pleasure is not characteristic of schizoid disorder, which is expressed in a lack of interest in art, festive and solemn events, and even gourmet food. Such people do not have vital incentives that force them to make efforts to achieve their desired goals.

One of the main life mottos of patients is the desire to stay away, in any life situation.

Schizoid type personality, signs of pathology:

• lack of feelings for surrounding people and events;
• lack of emotionality;
• decreased sexual desire;
• lack of response to external stimuli;
• propensity for the emergence of crazy ideas.

Let's take a closer look at the above features. One of the first signs of concern from the close environment of the patient is insensitivity. Other people's joy and grief do not cause any emotions in schizoids, which is contrary to human nature itself. It is important to mention that people with a personality disorder rarely resort to different ways disguise their own indifference. The presence of the disease affects the sphere of perception, which gives rise to misunderstanding about the need to express feelings.

Speaking of the lack of emotionality, let's look at the example of a healthy person's day. Throughout the day, various events occur that evoke different kinds of reactions. Such reactions can be expressed in the form of joy, longing, sadness and other feelings. For people with mental disorders, such an expression of emotions is not typical. Any life circumstances are accompanied by indifference, which becomes the key to the stability of actions and statements.

People who suffer from schizoid psychopathy have serious communication problems, they are withdrawn, they like solitude.

Lack of libido and a tendency to fantasies are those personality traits that are characteristic of the pathology in question. According to experts, even being at the peak of sexual activity, the behavior of patients differs from the behavior of their peers. Often, the majority of psychologists' patients have no interest in members of the opposite sex. The reason for this attitude is the lack of the very need for sexual intercourse. The tendency to fantasize manifests itself in the form of an attempt to compensate for the lack of communication, a flight of fantasy. Plunging into voluntary isolation, the patient tries to escape from the outside world not only physically, but also morally. In their own fantasies, schizoids scroll through millions of fictional events and present themselves as heroes of various fictional worlds.

The lack of response to external stimuli manifests itself in the form of a refusal to comply with generally accepted norms and rules. This sign is a clear manifestation of the lack of ability to represent oneself as part of society. Criticism and comments addressed to you do not cause any feelings in schizoids. It is important to note that approval, compliments and praise are also ignored by patients. For such people, both negative and positive feelings about others are uncharacteristic.

Forms of schizoid personality disorder

Schizoid is a mental pathology that manifests itself in the form of alienation and a desire for isolation, due to the lack of the ability to find one's own place in society. It is important to note that the public has a negative attitude towards people with similar problems. Violation of generally accepted rules of conduct and lack of response to criticism and comments cause disapproval in most people. However, an in-depth study of this problem made it possible to slightly change the current situation. Thanks to the method of differential diagnosis, specialists were able to determine the presence of a problem at an early stage, which positively affects the effectiveness of treatment.

As a result of a thorough study of the disease in question, experts have identified two main forms of schizoid personality disorder:

Schizoid personality disorder, is it dangerous? A person with this disease does not pose a threat to society, however, in some cases, various actions are allowed to destroy one's own personality. Craving for loneliness can provoke the emergence of dependence on the use of alcohol and drugs. The development of a depressive disorder in combination with the disease in question can lead to suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.

It is also important to mention that most of the owners of psychological diseases deny the existence of a problem. Because of this feature of personality disorders, the treatment of the disease becomes a complex task, the implementation of which requires a long period of time. The main problem of treatment is that patients are difficult to make contact and are aggressively opposed to therapeutic intervention.

Complex therapy of schizoid personality disorder is divided into the use of medications and methods of psychotherapeutic correction. Experts note the fact that the use of even potent drugs is not a guarantee of achieving the desired result. The treatment process is hampered by the patient's refusal to take pills, syrups or injections. It should also be noted that most patients seek medical help in adulthood. Since the main signs of the disease appear in childhood, a long absence of treatment only complicates the therapy.

To date, the causes of schizoid pathology are not fully understood.

Problems that can be corrected in childhood, developing over the years, become the foundation of the human personality. The task of therapy is to stop the main signs of the disease that complicate the patient's life. The use of pharmacological preparations can reduce the risk of complications that pose a high danger to the patient's life.

In the case of schizoid personality disorder, drugs from the group of neuroleptics and atypical antipsychotics are used as part of complex therapy. The main action of these medicines is aimed at preventing the development of symptoms that can have a negative impact on mental condition sick.

Hysteroid, schizoid, epileptoid, labile, etc. - it's far from full list types of personality, its character. Moreover, imagine that every day you have to deal with people belonging to this classification, and each of them has their own personal characteristics and shortcomings that should be taken into account during the conversation.

Signs of a schizoid type of character accentuation

The main feature in the character of people belonging to this type is isolation from the whole world, isolation, unwillingness or even inability to establish contacts, and this reduces his need for communication. If speak about inner harmony such a person, then, unfortunately, it does not exist. So, in her schizoid character, the following traits try to coexist:

• coldness and vulnerable sensitivity;
• tactlessness and modesty;
• tasteless outward manifestation of the rich inner peace;
• apathy in relation to any occupation and purposefulness;
• trust and alertness.

Manifestation of a schizoid character

Has a genetic predisposition. The character traits of this type appear much earlier than the traits of other types. Already in childhood, the child prefers to play alone, and not in the company of peers, avoids noisy fun. He is drawn to spending time surrounded by adults. He is not averse to silently listening to their conversations. Sometimes a certain coldness and restraint is added to this, unusual for the age of the child.

Schizoid character accentuation in adolescence

It is this period that is the most difficult for schizoids. After all, with the manifestation of signs of puberty, all his character traits are most clearly manifested. So, he fences himself off from the guys of his age, closes in on himself. He lives in his own world, with interests that are sometimes incomprehensible to others, while he treats with disdain everything that his peers are fond of. But this isolation, created by the schizoid man himself, brings him a lot of suffering, adding to everything else the inability to find a common language with others. Sometimes there are attempts on his part to establish friendly contact, but if he is unsuccessful, then this motivates the schizoid even more to close himself off from the outside world.

As a result of poorly developed, it is difficult for people of this type to be imbued with other people's experiences, state of mind. This gives rise to their coldness, and therefore some cruelty may appear in their actions. Again, this is due to the inability of schizoids to feel internal state interlocutor.

The positive side of the character of a teenager, perhaps, is that he opens the inner world only for the elite, but the option is always not completely and the option is not ruled out that he can suddenly push this person out of his soul.

The adult period of the schizoid and his professional life

The professional part of an adult schizoid is characterized by:

Differ in excellent intellectual data. This type has three types of psychological protection:

1. Departure into your inner world, which was discussed in the teenage period of the schizoid.
2. Out of myself. Applying it to others, it seems strange.
3. Needles. In this case, it is very difficult to carry on a conversation with a schizoid person.

It is important to note that a person with this type of character will defend himself until he stops believing that the world around him is full of dangers.

People with a schizoid type of character are always significantly different from those around them, and have their own special characteristics that manifest themselves in many areas of life. These eccentricities are visible in the style of clothing, manner of communication, a peculiar gait. For people with a schizoid personality type, reality is not the basis for perceiving the world. Being a phlegmatic, a person mostly moves mechanically, sometimes pretentiously, jumping or shuffling. In this case, it is quite obvious that his internal attitudes are not in harmony with the requirements of the outside world.

The schizoid personality type is characterized by a fragmented understanding of reality, despite the fact that various trifles are given exorbitantly great importance, and at the same time, the key facts of certain situations are absolutely not taken into account, and are regarded as secondary. Such people try to notice a special meaning in those things and events that most people around do not pay attention to. Another feature of the schizoid type is isolation. It is expressed in the fact that very often it is simply impossible to know what emotions take possession of a person, since a schizoid personality can look completely calm in difficult situation, and inner feelings are not manifested in any way, the person’s face remains impassive.

The activities of an individual with a schizoid type of character are always based on their own interests, and this is a serious obstacle to various social contacts. When communicating with an interlocutor, a person with a schizoid personality type often behaves tactlessly, not taking into account the opinions of others. New acquaintances are always perceived with excessive suspicion, and if we are talking about empathy, or sympathy, then this is definitely not about him. The schizoid type is characterized by the manifestation of selfishness on an ongoing basis. Concerning professional activity, then usually such people succeed in a narrow specialization. For example, a scientist can devote his whole life to one project, a physician stubbornly promotes a personally developed technique, even if it is not officially recognized.

A person with a schizoid personality type tends to defend new scientific ideas, in any direction create your own style. It is known that most collectors have exactly the schizoid type of character, in this regard, they are always obsessed with their hobby. At work, such people are valued for their unobtrusive and tactful behavior, their obligatory attitude to their duties. Often, management sets them as an example, appreciating business acumen, devoid of emotions. The circle of friends of people with the schizoid type is fairly stable, with close friends they keep in touch all their lives. But it is rather difficult for them to establish informal relations with colleagues at a new place of work. The more others show persistence, the deeper the closure in oneself occurs.

Schizoids are very independent individuals, and this quality makes them study any project on their own. That is, such an employee achieves everything himself, although in some cases one could simply ask. In this regard, over time, his qualifications are improving. In this case, it is especially important that the schizoid take into account the opinions of other specialists. If this is achieved, then the team will work very productively.

In people with a schizoid personality type, character traits appear already in childhood, at the age of three or four. Such kids love to devote their time to secluded and quiet activities, they are not interested in active communication with peers. Also, in children with a schizoid type of character, there is no particular attachment to loved ones, including family members. If a child develops schizoid psychopathy, then he early begins to be interested in complex problems from the field of philosophy. During the school period, schizoids show logical thinking, sometimes such children show extraordinary abilities in mathematics. At the same time, in everyday life they have many problems, as it is difficult for them to adapt to everyday life.

One of the most important features in the schizoid type of character is the development of schizoid psychopathy in a person. It can occur if certain signs of schizoidness become extremely pronounced. In addition, in this case, a person loses the ability to adapt socially. If the resulting schizoid psychopathy is moderate, then a person, even with complete social ineptitude, often achieves significant results in the field of art and science. If a severe form of this disorder has developed, then it is characterized by a desire to completely protect oneself from communication with others, and to remain alone.

For every patient who recognizes that his character is really close to the schizoid type of behavior, experts recommend paying attention to the manner of communicating with relatives and close people. The first recommendation is to learn how to express positive emotions. One should be aware of a special line beyond which even decent personality traits, amplified many times over, are perceived as negative. For example, if ordinary restraint is perceived by people as good traits, then in its excessive manifestation, detachment and isolation already arise. The presence of any active position in a person is recognized as an important quality, but a special value in modern world are communication skills.

For the first time, the term "schizoid personality type" was introduced by the German psychiatrist E. Kretschmer. He determined that the schizoid character is characterized by autism. According to him, autism is not just isolation, it is a life in oneself. Kretschmer described the "affective inferiority" inherent in the two main types of schizoid personality: hyperaesthetic and anesthetic. Later, the meaning of the term expanded, and people who were eccentric, avoiding social ties and relationships began to be referred to it.

Characteristic

The main signs and symptoms of pathology:

• isolation;
• detachment;
• unwillingness to establish contact.

The inner world of such people is closed to everyone, they do not need anyone's encouragement, they are awkward and clumsy. The facial expressions are limited, the voice is monotonous, sounding on one note. Intuition is alien to such people, and they are not able to sympathize with other people's experiences, they do not know how to share the joy or sadness of another person. Insensitivity explains the coldness and indifference in the behavior of schizoid people. They also have little interest in the sexual side of life. Despite the fact that schizophrenic personality disorder is a mental illness, patients do not have psychosis.

Schizoid individuals choose a type of activity that does not require collectivity, since they are loners. But in conditions of social isolation, they are able to fully demonstrate their intelligence. Their talent is especially evident in exact sciences. As independent individuals, they are able to study and promote any project on their own, alone. They achieve great success in their professional activities. Beethoven, Einstein, Bach, Newton, Mendeleev, Freud, Pasternak - all these people belonged to the schizoid personality type.

A person fixated on his own experiences is indifferent to other people's feelings. Such people are selfish and consider themselves unique. The schizoid personality type shows itself well in learning, is prone to abstract thinking, but is completely helpless in everyday life and everyday matters. The thinking of patients is peculiar, it is subject to its own schemes, ideas and rules. A person with a schizoid personality type lives in his inner world, in the world of imagination and fantasy. Cold and inaccessible to people, he can be strongly attached to animals. Such people rarely decide to start a family, because close interpersonal relationships will require bestowal and disclosure - something that schizoids are so afraid of. They are more attracted to the position of an observer than a participant in ongoing events. People with this deviation are exempted from military service. The schizoid personality type develops a schizoid psychopathy in a person.

Schizoid psychopathy

Schizoid psychopathy is a disorder characterized by withdrawal, unsociableness, and emotional coldness. There is no unity of the external and internal world. Outwardly, the patients are clumsy and angular. In their movements there is no smoothness and naturalness. They can behave in a mannered and pretentious manner.

Patients can be divided into 2 types:

1. Overly sensitive, vulnerable, proud - sensitive schizoid personality. Patients of this type consciously choose a quiet, isolated life in their world. Non-conflict, because any rudeness greatly hurts them. For a long time they cannot get rid of bad memories, they quickly lose peace of mind. Constant in their interests, give preference to intellectual hobbies.
2. Strong-willed, decisive schizoid types, who do not take into account other people's opinions, belong to expansive schizoid psychopathy. Patients of this nature are distinguished by cruelty and arrogance. They act ruthlessly towards people. They differ in pragmatism and prudence. In the event of a traumatic situation, they behave nervously and irritably, they may show paranoid tendencies.

According to another classification, subtypes should be distinguished:

1. Sluggish schizoid. Slow, uninitiated and apathetic type. Minimal active, restricted in movements, angular and clumsy. Due to zero vital energy gets tired quickly from any kind of activity. It is characterized by isolation from the public, which creates problems with employment and place of residence.
2. Distant schizoid. In this case, the patient purposefully strives for a closed lifestyle. Settles in remote and sparsely populated places. Excludes any contacts and relationships from his life. At the same time, he is completely unsuited to independent living and is deprived of household skills.
3. Depersonalized schizoid. A complex type suffering from disharmony of mind and body. Incapable of logical reasoning and understanding of the material being studied. Possessing sufficient intelligence, unable to understand himself. People are perceived as an inadequate and mentally retarded person.
4. Emotionless schizoid. Indifferent and indifferent to social norms type. Shows minimal interest in the surrounding life, does not care at all about his appearance. It is distinguished by dryness, sullenness and emphasized restraint. This type is indifferent to conflicts, criticism, does not show any emotions and feelings.

Until now, the exact causes of this disease have not been established. Most experts consider this model of behavior to be biopsychosocial. There is a heredity factor: if among the relatives of a person there were people with any personality disorders, then he is at risk. Also subject to such personality development are children whose parents were too strict and cruel, or a child who turned out to be unwanted and was deprived of parental love. It may be the other way around: a person with a schizoid personality type could be raised by a mother who overprotected the child and “strangled” her love.

Schizoid traits are clearly manifested in early childhood. They are obvious and conspicuous. The schizoid type of psychopathy manifests itself as a syndrome of early childhood autism. The child stands out for his behavior, prefers to play alone, avoiding noisy peer groups. In such children, there is a lag in the development of motor skills and colloquial speech. They do not show warm feelings for relatives and close people.

Schizoid personality disorder can begin to develop in children who had to grow up early. The family atmosphere is big influence on the development of the disease in the child. Men are more susceptible to the disease than women.

Diagnosis and treatment

The International Classifier of Diseases (ICD-10) determines the diagnosis of schizoid psychopathy, if the patient's condition meets the definitions of personality psychopathy:

1. The condition affects all spheres of human life.
2. The state is permanent, within time limits.
3. The condition prevents the adaptation of the individual in social life.

The diagnosis is established by a specialist, based on the anamnesis and symptoms. There are a number of medical tests for a more accurate diagnosis. If 4 of the listed qualities or behavioral characteristics are observed in a patient, then a diagnosis of schizoid personality disorder can be made. Signs may be:

1. The activity of interest is very limited.
2. Emotional coldness.
3. Inability to express either joy or anger towards others.
4. Lack of sexual desire.
5. Indifference to criticism and praise.
6. Lack of family, friends and unwillingness to have them.
7. Escape to the world of your fantasies.
8. Ignoring and violating social norms.
9. Strong desire for solitude.
10. Inability to experience joy and pleasure.

There are no drugs for the treatment of this disease, schizoid psychopathy is incurable.

The quirkiness of character and personality traits persist until the end of life. The difficulty of treatment lies in the fact that patients do not want to make contact, they constantly fall into their fantasies. Treatment consists of long-term therapy with a specialist. cognitive behavioral therapy teaches “correct” relationships and social skills. The patient is invited to reflect on the list of emotions, describe their pleasant associations. Group therapy will be effective if a comfortable and safe environment for contact is created.