What is Schizoid Personality Disorder? | Kati Morton

JOURNAL CLUB! Every Tuesday & Friday I post a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself! JOIN NOW: https://www.youtube.com/katimorton/join Order my book today! ARE U OK? http://geni.us/sva4iUY Schizoid Personality Disorder in the DSM is described as a pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression. Meaning that someone with SPD will prefer to be alone, and struggle to express much of what they feel, which I can imagine could be really difficult and at times frustrating for them. Now to get into the actual diagnostic criteria. Or what we have to have in order to be diagnosed with Schizoid Personality Disorder, one must have: A pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of expression of emotions in interpersonal settings, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts as indicated by four or more of the following: Neither desires nor enjoys close relationships, including being part of the family Almost always chooses solitary activities Has little, if any, interest in having sexual experiences with another person Takes pleasure in few, if any, activities Lacks close friends or confidants other than first-degree relatives Appears indifferent to praise or criticism of others Shows emotional coldness, detachment, or flattened affectivity Also, it must not occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or depressive disorder with psychotic features. Or other psychotic disorder or autism spectrum disorder. This is important to remember because you can see how some of these symptoms overlap. Those with SPD can have a lot of difficulty expressing anger, even when they are provoked, and this is why so many people will think that they don’t have any emotions at all. Which we know isn’t true. They can also seem like they are directionless, appearing to drift from their goals. They can also appear to be very passive, not getting upset about any shifts or hard life events that come their way. Therefore, it can be hard for them to connect socially and lack the skills needed to appropriately interact with those around them. Which is also why they work best alone where there is no need for them to interact with others while completing their work. Treatment! While there hasn’t been too much research into the treatment of SPD. One form of treatment that can help those with SPD is short term talk therapy. As long as we are able to trust our therapist we can benefit and it gives us a safe place to challenge any misconceptions we have about relationships and those around us. Overall, treatment for this is not aimed at curing the patient, instead at giving them a place to talk about all that may be stressful, and offering up differing views of life and certain situations. In a way it just gives us a place to vent and receive helpful tools. Medication is also ineffective, unless the person with SPD also struggles with anxiety or depression as a result of their SPD symptoms. And since the psychosis doesn’t last very long (usually) medication for that isn’t always necessary, but can be helpful to some.Please help transcribe and/or translate this video! http://www.youtube.com/timedtext_cs_panel?tab=2&c=UCzBYOHyEEzlkRdDOSobbpvwPATREON Do you want to help support the creation of mental health videos? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ WORKBOOKS Please visit the Itunes Bookstore and Search "Kati Morton". My Ibooks include exclusive videos and worksheets to help you on your path to wellness.I'm Kati Morton, a licensed therapist making Mental Health videos!CONTACT Business email: [email protected] MAIL PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403Help us caption & translate this video!https://amara.org/v/k1cf/ ****PLEASE READ**** If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emergency room.