Review Question - QID 105671

This patient with a history of social withdrawal and lack of desire for social interaction or close relationships likely has schizoid personality disorder.

Schizoid personality disorder belongs to the cluster A group of personality disorders. Symptoms typically become apparent in early adulthood, and generally persist throughout a patient's lifespan. Patients characteristically have few to no friends, and gravitate toward professions that allow for isolation. Furthermore, patients usually have no history of, or desire for, sexual or romantic relationships. Despite similarity in the name of the condition, patients do not demonstrate psychotic features that would be characteristic of schizophrenia such as delusions or hallucinations. The mainstay of therapy for patients with schizoid personality disorder is psychotherapy. However, for most patients it is unlikely that psychotherapy will modify behavior.

Ward discusses the assessment and management of patients with personality disorders. He reminds readers that by definition, PDs cannot be caused my a major psychiatric illness.

Incorrect Answers:
Answer 1: Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by lack of social interaction due to fear of rejection. Generally, patients still have a desire for social interaction and relationships.

Answer 2: Borderline personality disorder is characterized by hypersensitivity to rejection and self-harming or suicidal behavior. Patients will often demonstrate splitting.

Answer 3: Dependent personality disorder is characterized by inability to make decisions independent from another person such as a parent or spouse. Patients usually do enjoy social interaction and desire relationships.

Answer 5: Schizotypal personality disorder is characterized by odd or "magical" thinking or beliefs. Patients are often dressed in a bizarre fashion.

Bullet Summary:
Schizoid personality disorder is characterized by social withdrawal with no desire for social interaction or close relationships.