Schizoid personality disorder: is it dangerous? Schizoid personality type. Diagnosis of schizoid personality type
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Famous schizoid personalities:
Such people:
- they exist in parallel, as it were, in two realities - internal and external. The schizoid spends most of his time in his inner world, at the first opportunity, escaping there from harsh reality. He is of little interest in the external side of life - he lives in the world of his ideas, does only what interests him, not noticing anyone or anything around him. While in his refuge, he indulges in thoughts and fantasies: he invents bicycles, fights windmills, constructs abstract theories, creates time machines, travels through parallel worlds. Often he does not set great goals for himself and does not achieve success - the thinking process itself, scientific research - is much more important to him than the result. And, nevertheless, all the main discoveries and inventions created by humanity belong precisely to these brilliant “cranks” and “scientific crackers”... More than others, they turn out to be “outsiders”, observers, researchers of human existence.
- isolation is a basic personality trait. The core characteristic of this type of character is withdrawal into oneself, the inability to establish meaningful, emotionally interpersonal relationships.
- schizoid is uncommunicative , he doesn’t let many people into his soul, often limiting himself to only formal contacts. He rarely makes a sensitive listener and a good comforter - the global problems of humanity occupy him much more than the suffering of individual people. It is extremely difficult for him to understand the grief or joy of his neighbor.
- intuition is his weakest point: The schizoid does not “feel” the interlocutor, does not pick up on someone else’s mood, does not understand who treats him and how. He may turn out to be superfluous in the company, irritate those present, cause ridicule, but he does not always understand this. In turn, a schizoid can also easily hurt someone’s feelings in a conversation, but will not notice it at all.
- main protection - retreat into the inner world, into the world of imagination . The inner world of a schizoid, filled with bizarre fantasies, is closed to outsiders. He is a thing in himself. It is not for nothing that the famous German psychiatrist Kretschmer likened schizoids to “Roman houses devoid of decoration, villas whose shutters are closed from bright light, but in the twilight of their inner chambers luxurious feasts are celebrated...”
- passionately crave intimacy, although they feel the constant threat of being absorbed by others. They establish distance to maintain their safety, but at the same time suffer from remoteness and loneliness. The alienation from which schizoid people suffer so much stems in part from the experience that their emotional, intuitive and sensual capabilities have not been sufficiently appreciated - others simply do not see what they are doing.
- concerned with the need to avoid the danger of being absorbed, sucked, chewed, attached, eaten. The surrounding world is felt as a space full of consuming, distorting, destructive forces that threaten security and individuality.
- they are perplexed: how can everyone else deceive themselves so successfully if the harsh truth of life is so obvious.
- dispassionate, ironic and slightly contemptuous attitude towards others
- can be very caring towards other people, although they continue to need to maintain a protective personal space.
- They cannot be called completely unemotional - coldness and inaccessibility in communication with people can be combined with a strong attachment to animals. They may be distinguished by a passion for some non-human science, for example, mathematics or astronomy, where they are able to give the world creative ideas of high value. The statements may convey unexpected warmth towards people whom they know little or have not seen for a very long time. They are characterized by fascination with inanimate objects and metaphysical structures that have attracted their interest.
- Often drawn to those who have opposing, enviable aspirations, schizoids are often attracted to warm, expressive, sociable people, for example, hysterical personalities.
- suffer from significant Anxiety about basal safety (feeling of one’s own insecurity, weakness, helplessness, insignificance in this treacherous, attacking, humiliating, evil, full of envy and abuse world). Feeling depressed, they hide - either by literally going into reclusion or by immersing themselves in their fantasies.
- sexually some schizoid people turn out to be amazing indifferent , often despite the ability to function and have an orgasm. The closer the Other, the stronger the fear that sex means a trap. Partners of schizoid individuals sometimes complain that their way of loving is mechanical or dispassionate.
- The most adaptive and exciting ability of schizoid personalities is their creativity. The more disturbed individuals in this category reside in their own personal hell, where their potential abilities are consumed by fear and detachment. The sublimation of autistic withdrawal into creative activity is the main goal of therapy with schizoid patients.
- the self-esteem of people with schizoid dynamics is often maintained individual creative activity. At the same time, it is the aspects of personal integrity and self-expression that turn out to be more important for them, and not the side of self-esteem. The schizoid strives for confirmation of its exceptional originality and uniqueness. Confirmation must be internal rather than external, and, thanks to high standards in creativity, schizoids are often sharply self-critical.
- accumulated perceptions of the patient as exceptional, unique, misunderstood genius or unattainable sage
- not particularly concerned with whether they are right or wrong from a generally accepted point of view.
- characterized by frequent enthusiasm for various philosophies, ideas for improving the world, schemes for building a healthy lifestyle (through unusual diets, sports activities), especially if this does not require direct dealing with other people.
- There may be a high risk of addiction to drugs and alcohol for pleasure.
- schizoid does not know how to present himself in a favorable light, not distinguished by eloquence . Awkward, unnatural, with poor facial expressions, he often speaks in a monotonous, expressionless voice, making giant pauses between words. All this, of course, does not facilitate mutual understanding between him and the people around him. It is very difficult to understand a schizoid: his mouth is a mess, his words are confusing, he uses clever terms and does not try to be understandable. A typical example: the schizoid Hegel, who lectured to the only student who signed up with him, Ludwig Feierbach.
- Self-absorbed schizoid cares little about what he looks like. A jacket with torn buttons and frayed elbows, trousers “bubbling” at the knees, mismatched socks, battered, half-decayed shoes are quite in his style. Hair that has not been washed for a long time, sloppily trimmed nails, and ridiculous, out-of-fashion clothes, often worn inside out, complete his portrait. A typical schizoid is a sort of absent-minded Man from Basseynaya Street, who, instead of a hat, in a hurry, pulled a frying pan on his head, and “instead of felt boots, he pulled gloves onto his heels.”
- By physique they are most often ectomorphs
Archimedes was so absorbed in science that he sometimes forgot to eat, drink and sleep. Wherever he was and whatever he did, the great inventor did not interrupt his scientific thoughts. While washing in the bathhouse, he thoughtfully drew geometric shapes on his oiled body, sitting in front of the fireplace, he drew circles and triangles on the ash with a twig. When one day, while swimming, he accidentally discovered the law of fluid displacement, he became uncontrollably delighted. With a cry of “Eureka!” he jumped out of the bathroom and ran, in his mother's clothes, through the streets of Syracuse.
Archimedes hurried home to quickly try out his famous theory, which was later so remarkably confirmed. And what the respectable townspeople would think about him running around the city naked was of little concern to the famous scientist.
The schizoid is the same: he lives in the world of his ideas, doing only what interests him, not noticing anyone or anything around him.
There is a legend that in his youth, Einstein, being poor and unknown to anyone, always wore the same stretched out old sweater. “Does it matter? Nobody knows me here,” the scientist who had just arrived in America responded to the critical remarks of others. When, having become rich and famous, he never parted with his holey cast-offs, he motivated it differently: “What's the difference? Everyone already knows me”...
Once upon a time there lived a very shy British lord, Henry Cavendish. He avoided women, communicated with servants using notes, and in order to avoid interfering with maids, he always went down the attached external staircase. But Cavendish rarely went out into the world: he kept writing something in his hole, conducting experiments and taking notes, putting them on the table. And then he died. Cavendish was buried according to his will: he was tightly walled up in the crypt and no inscription was left indicating who was buried here. Not a single portrait remained after the lord, but an archive was found: 20 thick notebooks. Having sorted them out, scientists realized that Cavendish was a great physicist and chemist, all his works were published and now every physics student knows the name of this schizoid.
To diagnose schizoid disorders personalities
the condition must correspond to at least four of the following qualities or behavioral patterns:
1) only a few activities bring joy;
2) emotional coldness, distance
3) reduced ability to express warm, tender feelings or anger towards others;
4) external indifference to the praise and criticism of others;
5) decreased interest in sexual experiences with other people (taking into account age);
6) almost constant preference for solitary activities;
7) excessive depth in fantasy and introspection;
8) lack of close friends (at best, no more than one) or trusting relationships and reluctance to have them;
9) clearly insufficient consideration of social norms and requirements, frequent unintentional deviations from them.
"Handbook of a practical psychologist" by I.G. Malkina-Pykh. //The newest directory of a psychologist//Moscow, Eksmo 2010
Schizoid personality disorder or schizoid psychopathy is a person’s behavioral characteristics that manifest themselves in avoidance of relationships that may be rich in emotions and experiences. And both negative and positive. Warm feelings or experiences are replaced by fantasies, overly “thought out”, rethought and theorized. This kind of substitution and avoidance occurs due to the fact that real relationships and emotional connections with other people bring fatigue and discomfort.
Speaking about the schizoid personality type, it is worth saying that the most noticeable signs may be precisely this disinterest in any contacts with others and a clear disregard for social norms. Such people may not respond to greetings, dress “strangely” even for the current very tolerant times, do not respect the chain of command, which is why they have constant problems in socialization, both at the stage of training and in the process of trying to get a job. They often have an attitude towards society as a “herd”, which adjusts them to its laws, and therefore a disdainful attitude towards the majority of people, above whom they feel themselves.
It is believed that there are generally eight character types: narcissistic, paranoid, obsessive-compulsive, psychopathic, hysterical, depressive-manic, masochistic and schizoid.
The schizoid type of character is caused by a certain discrepancy between the feeling of oneself and the world around us, a feeling of detachment.
Many famous geniuses were schizoid: Albert Einstein, Van Gogh, Kant, Hegel, Archimedes, Newton, Bach... Among living people, these include the intellectual Anatoly Wasserman and the mathematician Grigory Perelman, who refused the European Mathematical Society Prize in 1996, in 2006 – Fields Medal and in 2010 – the Clay Mathematical Institute Millennium Prize.
In addition, the schizoid type of character is attributed even to fictional characters: Don Quixote and the Hedgehog in the Fog.
People with a schizoid character type tend to:
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How and why this type is formed
There are a large number of theories on this matter. From a physiological point of view, the nerve endings of schizoids are more sensitive. Even at a very young age, such children may show irritation or depression from the strong lighting of the room or the constant hubbub. It’s no secret that many kids, on the contrary, love the constant presence of adults, it calms them down and gives them a feeling of security. In schizoids, on the contrary, “extra people and movements” tire.
Other theories explain development in connection with the specifics of upbringing: a tough, nervous, explosive, critical father and a “loving” mother who violates personal boundaries. In addition, significant factors for the formation of this type are:
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Such a child spends his childhood alone and often in a harassed state. He is better off alone, alone with books, fantasies and conclusions. But, despite their well-read and calm nature, teachers also do not like such a child: he does not participate in amateur activities, cannot explain or write anything beautifully, and “too much” knowledge in narrow areas can generally cause a feeling of competition and a desire to “punish an upstart who undermines authority.” teacher."
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of schizoid psychopathy can be made by a specialist if four or more symptoms are present:
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However, a schizoid personality is not always the same in behavior if you observe it. Manifestations can be either of the autistic type with all additional signs (including an extreme degree of problems with socialization), or of the sthenic schizoid type with high success in narrowly focused areas of activity that require extreme forms of pragmatism, coldness and unemotionality in decision making.
One example describes a human resources policy advisor for a large enterprise, who became famous for his absolutely “impersonal” approach to assessing the importance of a particular employee for the overall successful operation of the enterprise, regardless of the employee’s length of service, his prior contribution, current family circumstances, health status and other additional nuances that emotionally responsive people always look at. As a result, he fired workers who had devoted their entire lives to this production and were currently experiencing some kind of life difficulties. And the case became famous due to several suicides committed by fired people and which did not cause any emotional reaction in the described adviser.
However, schizoid personality disorder is never diagnosed in the presence of schizophrenia, Asperger's syndrome and delusional disorders.
According to Theodore Millon, there are four subtypes of this disorder:
- exhausted, lethargic type, which is characterized by chronic exhaustion, fatigue, lethargy, slowness, apathy;
- an anxious, distant type, which is characterized by isolation and separation from the realities of life, isolation, wandering, the inability to stay in one job for a long time and to find a job at all;
- depersonalized type, the main specificity of which is a feeling of separation of one’s body and consciousness, absorption in fantasy;
- the unemotional type, gloomy and the most emotionally unperturbed.
According to the classification, schizoid disorder belongs to the cluster of unusual and eccentric disorders. The manifestations that were described earlier should be observed from the period of early maturity, that is, from eighteen years of age and older.
It should also be emphasized that some signs must be correlated with age criteria, physiological characteristics and aspects of upbringing. For example, the need for sexual contact may fade with age or be suppressed by a certain upbringing, and the lack of friends may be due to negative life experiences or a physical feature that becomes a psychological barrier. However, in these cases, the person does not lose his emotional assessment of this fact: he complains, worries, gets angry, ironizes, makes excuses. In a word, he shows emotions.
In psychoanalysis, such problems are interpreted from the point of view of the presence of a borderline level of development of personal organization in the schizoid personality type. The schizoid type has a tendency to “defensive fantasizing.” Another of his defense mechanisms is intellectualization, which allows him to reduce the emotional significance of events without avoiding the events themselves.
Moreover, his necessary support is sublimation, which is based on his fantasies. With its help, internal tension is relieved, and energy is redistributed in another direction, which is more acceptable for such a person: drawing, sculpture, solving incredible problems.
The main meaning of this approach is that the primary conflict that forms schizoidism is the problem of rapprochement and distance. Such a person constantly maintains a distance from other people, which makes him want to get closer. However, he regards rapprochement as a violation of personal boundaries and absorption, which forces the schizoid to jealously maintain this very distance in order to preserve personal space in his concept. This explains the eccentricity and dissimilarity of many such individuals: following generally accepted norms is also regarded as “absorption.” Therefore, the schizoid clearly neglects the laws of society and social norms.
However, this type of personality does not always act independently. Most often, we are faced with a schizoid-hysteroid personality type, in which schizoid personality disorder adds symptoms of hysteroid: suggestibility, inadequate demonstration of one’s sexual and external attractiveness, posing and “showing off” are added.
Moreover, it should be noted that since he demonstrates this same “attractiveness,” such a person often fits into public opinion: “you can’t look without tears.” Too bright color combinations, overtly emphasizing their shapes. In a word, a red skirt, green tights, an incomprehensible, old-fashioned, but revealing top and at the same time unwashed hair is a completely normal picture of such a girl. Remarks about the absurdity of her appearance cause surprise and can be considered envy.
Many relatives whose loved ones suffer from schizoid personality disorder wonder: is it dangerous? As can be seen from what was stated earlier, such people are characterized by isolation and focus on their inner world. They do not show aggression; on the contrary, they try in every possible way to reduce the number of contacts. So they are absolutely safe for others.
In addition, their emotional detachment from the suffering of others is absolutely not equivalent to a lack of understanding of what is happening, because the intellect does not suffer. As a result, a schizoid psychopath, in the event of committing offenses, is fully liable, because they are not mentally ill. But for the person himself, such a disorder can turn into trouble, both in the form of employment problems, and in the form of ridicule and bullying, which begin from school and are caused by some detachment, extravagance and the inability to join the company.
But in the case of a confirmed diagnosis in persons with schizoid personality disorder, the army is most likely excluded.
Treatment
In the case of classic schizoid personality disorder, treatment is extremely difficult, not because these cases are not treatable, but because the patients themselves do not consider their condition a problem. They cannot understand why they are forced to “fit into the herd.” Therefore, they come to the appointment either under pressure from relatives, or with other complaints, for example, with the problem of addiction. The problem of socialization is perfectly solved with the help of role-playing games. Schizoids literally have to figure out how people feel and what they are offended by.
A frequent problem is the selection of the necessary psychologist who is able to make contact extremely intelligently, without violating the boundaries of the schizoid and, at the same time, without getting carried away by his philosophizing and reasoning that is not the essence of the problem.
As for drug treatment, the appropriateness of its use has recently been called into question.
But who really needs a psychologist is the relatives of such a person, because it is their isolation and alienation of the child that causes panic, they worry about his future and suffer from his coldness. All this accumulates in a large lump of unspokenness, which can subsequently result in personal health problems: gastrointestinal diseases, heart diseases, diabetes, etc. Work with relatives is aimed at relieving anxiety, tension, and “recharging with love and warmth” in the form of supportive sessions. And the most important thing is the opening of the opportunity to accept such a child as he is.
The schizoid personality type, as a rule, is expressed by introversion, which manifests itself in an enhanced mode. The individual creates an imaginary “dome of comfort”, being in which gives calm and measured perception of the realities of life. Interpersonal relationships are usually poor or non-existent. There is a contrast of perception in relation to other people and animals, that is, close attachment to representatives of the animal world and alienation in human relationships. Any area of life is associated with loneliness and reluctance to change, compete, or ambitiously achieve anything. Even the sexual aspect of life is expressed either in the complete absence of real sexual contact, or in the presence of a short-term relationship, but exclusively in adulthood. This personality type is not susceptible to fashion trends. In work, their choice falls on backbreaking, difficult activities that an ordinary person would refuse.
Examples of “schizoids” among prominent figures
If we consider statistical data on individuals with a schizoid personality type, who are found among the entire population in 7.5% of cases, we can conclude that there is a significant proportion of mentally unstable people. There is no particular gender difference when identifying the frequency of manifestation of schizoid personalities, but, according to some data, the ratio tends to be 2:1, where the preponderance will be on the side of men.
It is amazingly common among famous figures to find those who have a schizoid personality type. Examples? A lot of them. These are outstanding scientists - Albert Einstein, Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleev, Isaac Newton, and famous philosophers - Immanuel Kant, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, Arthur Schopenhauer, and brilliant composers - Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, and the famous artist Salvador Dali, and many other.
Schizoid character type is not always a prerequisite for illness
Every person has traits that define a schizoid character type. Thanks to them, an individual can prove himself to be an innovator, a thinker or a person with creative potential. The schizoid character type as the predominant trait of a person can result in the fact that he will devote more to theory than to the emotional aspects of real life. Average people do not always understand the hobbies of schizoid individuals; sometimes these hobbies even seem bizarre to them.
The main nuance of this behavior is the ineffectiveness of theoretical ideas. Emotional satisfaction is achieved in the process of solving a problem, and not in its practical implementation. On the contrary, there is a conscious move away from transferring the idea to the commercial sphere. The schizoid personality type has an interesting feature. She expresses her unwavering attitude towards her popularity among the masses or the influence of money.
What is a schizoid like in childhood?
Every parent worries about their child from the moment he is born and, as they say, until his gray hairs. The schizoid personality type is susceptible to certain disorders. Treatment is more effective if deviations appear at an early age, starting from 3-4 years. The child unconsciously withdraws from parental affection and prefers to engage in solitary activities alone. There is an interest in everything philosophical - these can be eternal questions about life and death, and about the origin of all things, etc.
How does a schizoid position himself in adolescence?
At a later age, in people with a schizoid personality type, one can observe a tendency to complex mathematical calculations, but at the same time a complete inability to solve basic problems in everyday life. The schizoid personality type, which manifests itself at an early age, usually leads to a progressive form of autism.
As for the medicinal method of treating the disorder, one can note an ineffective result. According to statistics, schizoid individuals do not seek treatment for this disease, but undergo treatment for other diseases, in particular alcoholism. If, nevertheless, a schizoid personality type has been diagnosed, a specialist in the field of psychiatry will advise what to do in this case.
Psychotherapy as the main treatment for schizoids
An effective method of treating a patient with a schizoid personality type is psychotherapy, during which the doctor offers a list of standard emotions that the patient should become familiar with and try to experience. Role-playing games within the framework of social life can also be offered, the essence of which is to instill generally accepted social behavior that is acceptable in certain situations.
Preconditions causing disorder in schizoids
Severe personality disorder of the schizoid type manifests itself in the first years of an individual's life. The period of development of this type of disorder is very long.
There is no genetic predisposition to schizoid disorder. Even, for example, at work a patient can achieve significant success, but only in an isolated area. At the same time, those around him may not even know about his illness.
Symptoms of schizoid disorder include:
- Emotional indifference or weakly expressed emotion in relation to events happening around.
- A constant state of isolation, thoughtfulness, seriousness and aloofness.
- Almost complete absence of need for interpersonal relationships.
- No need to defend your opinion.
- Recognition of the truth of information only if it comes from verified sources, for example, stated in the words of distinguished scientists.
- Non-standard thought processes, especially in the analytical field.
- Helplessness in everyday life.
The most important factor on the path to relative stability of schizoid personalities throughout life is the correct choice of profession and periodic diagnosis by a psychotherapist.
The result of crossing two radical types
Along with the four dominant personality types, there are also smoothly flowing ones, namely:
I. Schizoid-hysteroid personality type.
II. Hysterical-schizoid personality type.
Despite the fact that these psychotypes come from the main categories, they are fundamentally different from them. These are independently existing personality types.
The reason for the appearance of such a combination may be the crossing of different personality types of one and the second parent in their child, but only under the condition of clearly defined initial types that are of equal strength and do not drown out each other. Most often, in this combination, the schizoid type occupies the primary position, and not the hysterical one, because it is more stable.
Summarizing the above information, we can talk about identifying the main and secondary types, but without completely suppressing the second. In particular, the individual’s need for introversion, which is understood both as isolation, from the point of view of a schizoid, and as the presence of deep contact from the point of view of necessity for society, is already a trait of a hysterical personality type.
If you are schizoid, the test will definitely show it
R. Cattell’s personality questionnaire, which is capable of both a quick diagnosis of a personality type and an in-depth study of it, has received widespread demand among psychologists. It will allow you to recognize, if present,
schizoid personality type. The test characterizes a personality with 16 factors that allow one to predict behavioral actions in projection onto the real world. This technique can be carried out both individually and in groups, covering various areas of application: personnel, professionally oriented, consulting, etc.
What is the final result of diagnostics using R. Cattell’s method?
The methodology is represented by 105 professional questions. The questionnaire allows you to accurately diagnose the individual traits of a particular person, called “constitutional factors,” according to the method of R. Cattell. A prerequisite for diagnosing a patient is limited time. The technique allows us to identify the emotional, intellectual, and communicative properties, including the ability to self-regulate, of the diagnosed individual.
Thus, the psychologist receives the final result in the form of a psychographic profile of the individual.
This professional program is used in the work of various specialists: psychologists, teachers, doctors, personnel specialists, psychotherapists.
Practical significance of diagnostic results using the MMPI2 questionnaire
The second modern psychodiagnostic method, which is no less important and popular than R. Cattell’s questionnaire, is the MMPI2 questionnaire.
Its use greatly simplifies the procedure for selecting applicants based on the required personal characteristics. Further use of the technique will help track and identify employees engaged in professional activities that do not correspond to their psychographic personality profile, which will subsequently lead to increased productivity and minimization of risks. The programs allow you to establish personal characteristics, the level of intellectual and professional training, the main motivational impulses for activity, competencies, development potential, etc.
Areas of application can be various types of psychological consultation, career guidance, professional selection, harmonization of relationships in teams and much more.
The schizoid type of personality accentuation has the most striking and ambiguous manifestations. On the one hand, these people are endowed with superpowers, on the other hand, they are doomed to loneliness and constant opposition to themselves. This is explained by the borderline state. A psychotype has a fine line between normality and pathology. Any stress or severe psycho-emotional shock can lead to the development of schizophrenia, which is not so easy to cure. True schizoids have difficulty making contact and are perceived ambiguously by others. Determining the prerequisites for the development of this accentuation in early childhood can be corrected with the help of certain educational behavior, which solves many problems in adulthood.
Schizoid personality type - definition in psychology
A description of this type of accentuation is found in the classifications of Lichko and Leonhard. The schizoid personality type in psychology implies partial or complete detachment from the real world and fixation on one’s own person, as a result of which the development of the spiritual component is inhibited. Rejection of public opinion and complete detachment from stereotypical thinking does not allow them to splash out emotions and frankly express their own opinions. A multifaceted thought process is constantly going on in your head, but it is not possible to talk openly about it. All actions and deeds are aimed at alienating oneself from the social environment. Due to arrogance and cynicism, such people stay apart. People around them consider schizoids to be strange eccentrics or overly closed individuals who are on their own.
Schizoidism in its development necessarily has a provoking factor at an early stage of the child’s development. Severe stress, loss of a loved one, oppression from adults and much more can affect the development of personality. Psychologists say that the reason is even the threat of termination of pregnancy or the constant stressful state of the mother at the time of gestation. Even at this intuitive level, the foundations for schizophrenic tendencies are already being laid.
The child receives the main development of schizoid manifestations in the preschool period. As a rule, this is insufficient attention, lack of care and affection on the part of parents. Overprotection and excessive intrusiveness are also one of the reasons for development, because the child constantly has a desire to isolate himself from the parent and make independent decisions. The most common factor is dysfunctional families, where parents often conflict or unreasonably lash out at their children. With this development of events, the child is left to his own devices, and despite his own fear, he is forced to establish relationships in the family. A long stay in conditions of stress and uncertainty forces him to focus on himself and his own problems; open communication and socialization have no place in his life.
It is important for every child to feel safe and under the care of adults, otherwise he begins to seek the strength to resist the outside world, thereby building barriers and closing himself off from it. Lack of confidence in one's own safety provokes the development of a schizoid personality.
Age characteristics
The development of the schizoid type of accentuation goes through several stages of formation. By identifying the prerequisites for each of them, further development can be prevented:
- Early childhood. The first alarming symptoms are detected in the child’s behavior already at 3-5 years of age. Typically, such children do not cause discomfort to their parents and seem to be quite independent. They can play alone for hours, painstakingly sorting through toys. Adults are not of particular value to them. Characterized by early development, showing interest in adult conversations and even reading books. Among their peers they are little geniuses.
- Childhood. At school, a teacher may note a child’s arrogance towards his classmates. There is a constant contradiction with the opinions of others; there is a vision for everything, but the child is silent about this. High curiosity and a tireless desire to develop are reflected in high academic performance. Conceit is so great that there are no authorities for a person. Criticism from the teacher is not accepted in any way; he still does everything at his own discretion. Of all forms of communication, he recognizes only productive ones aimed at exchanging knowledge, while there are no emotions, only dry perception of information and skepticism. Emotional coldness is very easy to identify; the child experiences neither joy nor anger. It is difficult for adults to understand what is in a child’s thoughts at the moment. A special test to determine the psychotype will confirm the presence of the disorder.
- Teenage period. At this age, the final formation of personality occurs and much depends on the environment. If peers react sharply to a schizoid, then he withdraws into himself even more. His intellectual abilities set him apart from students with poor academic performance, but his aloofness prevents him from coming into contact with them and developing in society. In this regard, there is a constant change in self-esteem, from high to inadequately low with elements of self-flagellation. The desire of parents to intervene and understand the reasons for such differences is doomed to failure. On his part, one can observe a protest against any invasion of privacy.
The non-standard nature of schizoid behavior and the reluctance to communicate in a group with other representatives of it are often perceived as a deviation. Such people become outcasts, observing from the outside what is happening in society, but they are only happy about this, because the existing arrogance does not allow them to fall on the same level as others.
When raising children with schizoid tendencies, it is worth paying more attention to care and affection. One of the key values is communication. Adults are required to be able to hold a conversation on an intellectual topic. There is no point in engaging in socialization and forcing communication with anyone; you need to unobtrusively help select friends with similar interests. Violence and cruelty should not be present in upbringing; on the contrary, every wrong deed and unlawful action must be analyzed in adult, quality language and an attempt must be made to convey the essence of the mistake. A child who has a genuine interest in intellectual development will happily accept a book as a gift. The mentor’s task is to select the right instructive literature that broadens one’s horizons and encourages harmonious relationships with the public.
Types
Schizoid accentuation includes two types of personality formation. The sensitive type assumes hostility to other people's opinions; any criticism causes painful internal sensations. Contact with other people, even within the same social group, can lead to a lack of appetite and the development of persistent depression. Such people do not recognize reality and spend most of their time in a fictional world, where everyone exists according to their laws and there is no place for aggression and other negative qualities. The individual tries to completely block any manifestation of violent emotions around him. To those around him, he looks like a completely detached person.
The expansive type of schizoid is cold-blooded and indifferent to the world around him. Such people are characterized by determination, confidence in their own actions, excessive arrogance and fearlessness in the face of any confrontation. The opinions and criticism of other people have absolutely no meaning for them; they are perceived as empty words, not worthy of attention. This type has a finer line with a pathological condition, because they often show aggression and eccentricity towards others. Protecting one's own interests is paranoid. This type also provides for the presence of a fictional world, but they clearly see the edges and still prefer to live within the framework of reality.
Signs
The formed schizoid personality type is based on many contradictory views. It is impossible for others to understand such people. No one knows what exactly evokes emotions in a schizoid, what upsets him, and what can make him happy. Everything that happens around is perceived as a fact and does not cause manifestations of character traits. Each specific schizoid perceives the world around him under his own prism. Sometimes even experienced psychotherapists can only guess from general signs what is in the patient’s head. Deep inner peace is combined with indifference to reality.
Schizoidity presupposes one's own perception of reality. Insignificant, unnoticeable little things can arouse genuine interest on his part, at the same time, socially significant and global events remain unnoticed. His own awareness of his uniqueness and intellectual development elevates his person several levels above those around him; he treats them with contempt. High self-esteem is often reduced due to the inability to build interpersonal contacts. Even interested in a conversation, he cannot build a dialogue and maintain a conversation.
The most banal social problems leave people stunned. A schizoid cannot adequately respond to aggression from an opponent, because outright hostility upsets the balance of his personality. Along with low socialization, intuitive abilities also suffer. It is extremely difficult for them to identify the attacker and intriguer. They do not see hints and do not distinguish the true reasons for certain actions. A girl with this type of accentuation, receiving regular signs of attention from a young man, will never independently guess that he is expressing sympathy. Ultimately, he will need to openly declare his feelings.
In family life, the schizoid personality type remains indifferent to everyday affairs. Sloppiness in home furnishings, indifference to the chosen wallpaper and complete lack of initiative in maintaining cleanliness and order are explained by women's inability to adapt to everyday life. They don't do it on purpose, it just doesn't make any difference to their personality. Even if you have to do the repairs yourself, it will be a functional and practical interior with a mandatory workplace or a separate corner for privacy. Men are characterized by love at first sight and a tendency to cheat. Young children cause alienation; usually in such families they take on the personality type and project the behavioral characteristics of their parents into their lives.
You can distinguish a schizoid from a closed or unsociable person by external features. Movements and gestures are markedly angular and unnatural, and mannerisms are often observed. The physique is rather asthenic, postural disturbances are pronounced, for example, stooping. During communication, you can notice how the shoulders tuck and rise towards the head. They avoid direct gazes, so they often keep their head lowered to the floor. There is no clear stylistic predisposition, the clothes look ridiculous.
High performance and the ability to clearly concentrate on the task at hand allow you to achieve unprecedented heights. There is no specific profession in which one can achieve the highest results; such geniuses were found among different forms of employment. Examples include such outstanding personalities as artists Van Gogh and Dali, scientists Mendeleev, Einstein and Newton, as well as musicians Beethoven and Bach.
Treatment
The schizoid type requires behavioral correction by a psychoanalyst. They rarely come to sessions on their own, because they will be required to communicate and open their inner world to a stranger. Experienced specialists know the approach, so they quickly get the patient to talk. Maximum and fastest results can be achieved with the help of cognitive behavioral therapy. After short individual lessons, the schizoid begins to attend group lessons, where there is a greater chance of socialization. The patient is required to have maximum sincerity towards the specialist and unconditional compliance with all recommendations.
Advanced forms of schizophrenia require immediate treatment in a specialized institution for compulsory round-the-clock stay. The disease is almost never completely cured; doctors only manage to achieve stable remission. During periods of exacerbation, patients are again admitted to the hospital for treatment. There are no special medications provided, but if necessary, antidepressants and certain groups of drugs necessary to eliminate anxiety and associated phobic disorders are prescribed.
A person who realizes that he has schizoid tendencies should strive to develop positive emotions in himself. It is better to start trying to build social contacts with family and friends who will always support and help cope with fears.
People with a schizoid character type 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, and peculiar gait. For people with a schizoid personality type, reality does not represent the basis for perceiving the world. Being a phlegmatic person, a person mainly moves mechanically, sometimes pretentiously, jumping or shuffling. In this case, it is quite obvious that his internal attitudes are not in harmony with the demands made by the external world.
The schizoid personality type is characterized by a fragmented understanding of reality, despite the fact that various little things are given inordinately 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 special meaning in those things and events that most people around them 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 are possessing a person, since a schizoid personality can look completely calm in a difficult situation, and internal feelings do not manifest themselves in any way, the person’s face remains impassive.
The activities of an individual with a schizoid character type 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 as overly suspicious, 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 a constant basis. As for professional activities, such people usually succeed in a narrow specialization. For example, a scientist can devote his entire life to one project, a physician persistently 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 and create his own style in any direction. It is known that most collectors have a schizoid type of character, and therefore they are always obsessed with their hobby. At work, such people are valued for their unobtrusive and tactful behavior and their obligatory attitude towards their duties. Management often sets them up as an example, assessing their business acumen, which is devoid of emotion. The circle of friends of people with the schizoid type is quite stable; they maintain contact with close friends throughout their lives. But it is quite difficult for them to establish informal relationships with colleagues at a new place of work. The more those around you show persistence, the deeper the withdrawal into yourself occurs.
Schizoids are very independent individuals, and this quality forces them to independently study any project. That is, such an employee achieves everything himself, although in some cases one could simply ask. In this regard, his qualifications improve over time. In this case, it is especially important that the schizoid takes into account the opinions of other specialists. If this is achieved, 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 like to devote their time to solitary and quiet activities; they are not interested in active communication with peers. Also, children with a schizoid character type do not experience special attachment to close people, including family members. If a child develops schizoid psychopathy, then he early begins to become interested in complex problems in the field of philosophy. During the school period, schizoids demonstrate logical thinking; sometimes such children show extraordinary abilities in mathematics. At the same time, in everyday life they have many problems, since it is difficult for them to adapt to everyday life.
One of the most important features of the schizoid type of character is the development of schizoid psychopathy in a person. It can occur if certain signs of schizoidism become extremely pronounced. In addition, in this case the person loses the ability to adapt socially. If the resulting schizoid psychopathy is moderate, then the person, even with complete social inability, often achieves significant results in the field of art and science. If a severe form of this disorder has developed, it is characterized by the desire to completely isolate oneself from communication with others and to remain alone.
For every patient who admits that his character is really close to a schizoid type of behavior, experts recommend paying attention to the manner of communication with relatives and close people. The first recommendation is to learn how to express positive emotions. You should be aware of the special line beyond which even decent personality traits, strengthened many times, are perceived as negative. For example, if people perceive ordinary restraint 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 communication skills are of particular value in the modern world.