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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you have schizoid personality disorder, you may prefer to go your own way and avoid interacting with others, including doctors. You may be so used to a life without emotional closeness that you're not sure you want to change — or that you can. And if you do come into treatment, you may find it extremely hard to open up about your inner life.
However, a therapist with experience treating schizoid personality disorder is likely to understand your need for personal space and private thoughts, and will continue reaching out to you without pushing. With a skilled and patient therapist, you can make significant progress.
- Medications. There's no specific drug treatment for schizoid personality disorder. However, doctors may prescribe medications to help treat some symptoms, as well as associated conditions such as anxiety and depression. For example, the psychological inability to experience pleasure can be treated with bupropion (Wellbutrin). Risperidone (Risperdal) or olanzapine (Zyprexa) can help with flattened emotions and social problems.
- Psychotherapy. Cognitive behavior therapy helps you change the beliefs and behaviors that are problems for you. If you have schizoid personality disorder, this type of therapy can help you increase your sensitivity to interpersonal cues and develop social skills. For example, you might learn appropriate ways to react in common social situations, such as being introduced to a new person. Treatment will also help you feel less anxious in social situations.
- Group therapy. Treatment can be more effective if you can interact with others who are also practicing new interpersonal skills. Group therapy may also provide a support structure and increase your social motivation.
References
- Schizoid personality disorder. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed July 13, 2010.
- Skodol AE, et al. Specific personality disorders. In: Hales RE, et al., eds. The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2008. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed July 13, 2010.
- Blais MA, et al. Personality and personality disorders. In: Stern TA, et al. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208922830-3/1022719999/1657/387.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04743-2..50041-X--cesec11_990. Accessed July 13, 2010.
- Silk KR. Personality disorders. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 13, 2010.
- Cohen P. Child development and personality disorder. Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2008;31:477.
- Thylstrup BT, et al. "I am not complaining" — Ambivalence construct in schizoid personality disorder. American Journal of Psychotherapy. 2009;63:147.
- Skodol AE, et al. Positive childhood experiences: Resilience and recovery from personality disorder in early adulthood. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2007;68:1102.
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