Hypoxia and Medicine

Your opinion on personality disorders?

Do you think i have a disorder based on the following information: (Schizoid Personality disorder) A. 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: 1. neither desires nor enjoys close relationships, including being part of a family 2. almost always chooses solitary activities 3. has little, if any, interest in having sexual experiences with another person 4. takes pleasure in few, if any, activities 5. lacks close friends or confidants other than first-degree relatives 6. appears indifferent to the praise or criticism of others 7. shows emotional coldness, detachment, or flattened affect B. Does not occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia, a mood disorder with psychotic features, another psychotic disorder, or a pervasive developmental disorder and is not due to the direct physiological effects of a general medical condition. (Avoidant personality disorder) * Hypersensitivity to criticism or rejection * Self-imposed social isolation * Extreme shyness in social situations, though feels a strong desire for close relationships[4] * Avoids interpersonal relationships * Feelings of inadequacy * Emotional distancing related to intimacy * Highly self-conscious * Self-critical about their problems relating to others * Lonely self-perception Those are the symptoms of each disorder that I feel I have. I lack many friends through simple lack of care. I quite simply do not attempt to form personal contacts, sexual or platonic. I have the ability to emphasize with other people I just don't attempt to most of the time. I prefer to spend my time on solitary engagements such as reading books or scientific journals. The few(very few) friends I do have are not important to me, that being I have no need to socialize with them. If the urge strikes me and they have something going on that I will join them but I never will initiate the social event. Thanks in advance.

Public Comments

1. sounds more like you have anxiety and depression. a doctor can help with this and you will feel better
2. When I read this. I swear it was basically a checklist of the EXACT things I am. Im a 28 year old loner *by choice* I have zero friends and no significant other. I don't care what others think about me, whether it be good or bad. If someone tries to call me I basically don't answer. On the schizo personality list, I fell under all 7 and on the avoidant personality list I fit under 8 out of the 9. The only one I dont feel on avoidant list was feelings of inadequacy. In the sense that for some things, I know I can do really well. I never think that im better than anyone though, quite the opposite. It's werid reading that list, because I honestly thought/think no one is feeling the same thing I feel. I really DO feel alone. And oddly, I enjoy the quiet.
3. Hello there, Based on the descriptions provided, you seem to be leaning towards Schizoid Personality Disorder. The interpersonal style between a schizoid and an avoidant are similar to each other as both types tend to withdraw from social contacts. However, the distinct difference is the reason behind the withdrawal or isolation. A schizoid basically has zero to little desire for relationships while an avoidant has a deep longing for interpersonal contact but is anxious due to negative self-judgment and fears of rejection and criticism. I cannot say for sure whether you are a schizoid or an avoidant because more details are needed. However, I think that you might have schizoid tendencies and doubt that you are an avoidant based on the descriptions. Schizoids (usually with a dismissive attachment style) usually believe that they are self-sufficient and thus have no need for others. You mentioned not exerting much effort in forming relationships with others as you fail to see a need for socialization. This fits the belief of a typical schizoid. As for Avoidant Personality Disorder, do you hold negative self-judgment and fear being humiliated or criticized by others? Whatever it is, please do not feel handicapped with labeling. The names for different disorders are basically to assist clinicians in assessing the most likely causes, whether there are other emotional problems one may be dealing with, implementing treatment plans for the specific disorder and so on. Personality disorders like many other disorders listed in DSM-IV TR have a lot of linkage to a person's family background and environment during childhood. I hope that you will seek help. I am pretty much schizoid, schizotypal and avoidant myself and I have OCD. You are welcomed to contact me via my profile page should further guidance be needed. All the best and take care :)