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