Ep 34: The Most Misunderstood Personality | Schizoid in the DSM

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.

Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! https://www.questpsych.org/

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

Additional Podcast References

• Lingiardi, V., & McWilliams, N. (Eds.). (2017). Psychodynamic diagnostic manual: PDM-2 (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.
• McWilliams, N. (2006). Some thoughts about schizoid dynamics. Psychoanalytic Review, 93(1), 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1521/prev.2006.93.1.1