In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive into one of the most misunderstood personalities: the quiet, awkward, and socially backwards schizoid. We take a critical look at the DSM’s definition of this personality; the developmental pathways leading to schizoid traits; and the unique and complex inner world of schizoids. Using a turtle metaphor, we explore how schizoids resort to fantasy and withdraw inside their shell, escaping from the overwhelming social world. We also explore how schizoid types are often mislabeled as having autism and briefly discuss their differences. We conclude by discussing reasons for the schizoid’s withdrawal, highlighting that our global misunderstanding of this type drives them further away from relationships and from psychological help.

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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Schizoid Personality
03:45 Attachment Trauma in Schizoids
05:50 Schizoids are Like Turtles
07:18 Problems with the DSM-5 Schizoid
08:41 Psychodynamic Schizoid: A Conflict-Based Approach
10:33 Schizoid vs Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
15:57 DSM Criteria for Schizoid Personality Disorder
19:41 The Challenges of Goal Setting
20:48 Decreased Sexual Desire
22:04 Sherlock Holmes: The Quintessential Schizoid
23:20 Anhedonia vs Depression in Schizoids
25:02 Difficulty Forming / Indifference to Relationships
30:33 Emotional Coldness and Detachment
33:53 Anger & Joy in Schizoids
37:36 Not Psychosis or Autism
38:36 Summary & Closing