Schizoid Personality Disorder

Schizoid personality disorder (ScPD) is a mental health condition marked by a consistent pattern of detachment from and general disinterest in social relationships. People with schizoid personality disorder also have a limited range of emotions when interacting with other people.

Schizoid personality disorder is one of a group of conditions called “Cluster A” personality disorders, which involve unusual and eccentric thinking or behaviors. Personality disorders are chronic (long-term) dysfunctional behavior patterns that are inflexible, prevalent and lead to social issues and distress.

People with schizoid personality disorder may seem aloof, disengaged and distant. They often don’t realize their behavior is unusual or problematic.

What is the difference between schizoid personality disorder and schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a range of mental health conditions that cause a significant disconnection from reality. A person with schizophrenia may experience a combination of hallucinations, delusions and extremely disorganized thinking and behavior that dramatically impairs their daily functioning.

Schizoid personality disorder doesn’t cause hallucinations or delusions, and the condition usually doesn’t significantly affect a person’s day-to-day functioning.

What is the difference between social anxiety disorder and schizoid personality disorder?

Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) is a mental health condition in which a person experiences intense and persistent fear of being criticized or judged by others. To cope with this fear, they avoid social interactions or situations as much as possible.

Social anxiety disorder is distinct from schizoid personality disorder (ScPD) because people with ScPD don’t avoid social interactions due to fear of being criticized or judged. Rather, it’s due to a general disinterest in forming relationships with others.

Who does schizoid personality disorder affect?

Most personality disorders begin in the teen years when personality further develops and matures, but people with schizoid personality disorder may display signs of the condition at an earlier age.

Schizoid personality disorder is slightly more common among people assigned male at birth (AMAB).

How common is schizoid personality disorder?

Schizoid personality disorder is relatively uncommon. About 3.1% to 4.9% of people in the United States have this condition.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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