Schizoid Personality Disorder

**Adrian** · 1st-September-2009

I think this is the problem with a lot of males. This is what ailed Sordini (as opposed to Aspergers, for instance). It is characterized by a desire to have a limited number of friends and emotional "flatness". I think people often imagine that these people are really just generally anti-social, but in reality they long for an intimate relationship that they don't seem to be able to have. Or, perhaps it is some guy that seems to tolerate an infinite amount of abuse from his wife. That's because he clings to that relationship because of how hard to come by it is for him.

From what I can discern, unlike other disorders, schizoids don't want lots of social interaction and lots of friends. They aren't merely shy and just don't know how to be popular. But, they usually are shy and/or have trouble with more than basic appropriate social interaction. But it sounds like you wouldn't know they are schizoid based on their interaction -- like you wouldn't know how shy they really are. They might be a little eccentric, but are generally pretty normal and could even be a closet schizoid that has learned to fake it. The schizophrenic or schizotypal stand out as "weird" and delusional, but the schizoid doesn't stand out at all.

Nevertheless, they lack intimate relationships, tend to be self-reliant, aloof, etc. And, this apparently is a phenomenon that occurs vastly more in males than in females. I think both McVey and Sordini, for instance, were "schizoid". And, I think a lot of men are. It goes beyond just a normal person being thrust into a bad situation. Perhaps the bad situation makes people schizoid after a while.

If it is partially hereditary, I wouldn't be surprised at all if a lot of American males were schizoid. Here's some links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizoi...ality_disorder
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sch...sorder/DS00865

**CaptDMO** · 1st-September-2009

Quote from Adrian

I think this is the problem with a lot of males.

Really? Why is this "a problem"?

But it sounds like you wouldn't know they are schizoid based on their interaction -- like you wouldn't know how shy they really are. They might be a little eccentric, but are generally pretty normal and could even be a closet schizoid that has learned to fake it. The schizophrenic or schizotypal stand out as "weird" and delusional, but the schizoid doesn't stand out at all.

Got it.
There's this "disorder" discovered by some humanities folk that you can't see, can't quite define, and can't pinpoint, unless a bunch of "other" disorders have been ruled out.
With an astonishing lack of more simple explanations for the decision to not invest maintenance in as many "friendships" as they should be.

I call psyco-babble!
Of course, I can only speak for myself.

I have MANY social and professional acquaintances. Due to an "unfair" advantage (or two) of birth, I usually become quickly popular in the various closed groups (100 or so, usually some overlap) I travel in and out of. I discovered the hard way that only those few that EARN my trust, and my consequent respect, -usually through actions "when no-one is looking"- are worthy of what I call Trusted Friend.
Strangely, the folks I do esteem as such friends are NOT the folks who always agree with me, for what MANY times turn out to be ulterior selfish motives.

Bear in mind, I spent most of my career in, and around, the "entertainment"/Visual arts industry.
An odd place for a Conservative, heterosexual, WASP, Mensan-to be sure.

MOST men of (IMHO)reasonable integrity, and proved honor, that I personally know, only keep a select few (Two or three) "Trusted Friends", no matter the vast throngs, or elite cadre, that they may engage in reasonably civil discourse with.

It's NOT a "problem", nor is it unicorns, eating rainbows, and shitting skittles.(kumbayah).

Maybe I've just led a sheltered life. ;-)

**Zuberi** · 1st-September-2009

This is nothing new!

I suppose many feminists have schizophrenia!

**Adrian** · 1st-September-2009

Quote from CaptDMO

Really? Why is this "a problem"?

Got it.
There's this "disorder" discovered by some humanities folk that you can't see, can't quite define, and can't pinpoint, unless a bunch of "other" disorders have been ruled out.
With an astonishing lack of more simple explanations for the decision to not invest maintenance in as many "friendships" as they should be.

I call psyco-babble!
Of course, I can only speak for myself.

I have MANY social and professional acquaintances. Due to an "unfair" advantage (or two) of birth, I usually become quickly popular in the various closed groups (100 or so, usually some overlap) I travel in and out of. I discovered the hard way that only those few that EARN my trust, and my consequent respect, -usually through actions "when no-one is looking"- are worthy of what I call Trusted Friend.
Strangely, the folks I do esteem as such friends are NOT the folks who always agree with me, for what MANY times turn out to be ulterior selfish motives.

Bear in mind, I spent most of my career in, and around, the "entertainment"/Visual arts industry.
An odd place for a Conservative, heterosexual, WASP, Mensan-to be sure.

MOST men of (IMHO)reasonable integrity, and proved honor, that I personally know, only keep a select few (Two or three) "Trusted Friends", no matter the vast throngs, or elite cadre, that they may engage in reasonably civil discourse with.

It's NOT a "problem", nor is it unicorns, eating rainbows, and shitting skittles.(kumbayah).

Maybe I've just led a sheltered life. ;-)

Well, actually, CaptDMO, not thinking their disorder is, in fact, a disorder is common amongst schizoids.

But, seriously, I don't really think of disorders as disorders so much as personality types. So, please forgive my prejudicial language. I'm just saying -- there's a name for it. Supposedly these traits distinguish you from everyone else if you fit this description. I think that fact may be more interesting to schizoids than anything else. A lot of those traits are so far outside the norm, that they made the list!

**Adrian** · 1st-September-2009

Quote from Zuberi

This is nothing new!

I suppose many feminists have schizophrenia!

Apparently, it is all part of the same spectrum of disorders and it seems more linked to males so I'm reading. But, I can believe it. So, when guys say "You make me crazy!" they aren't actually kidding! Again, what is interesting is the combination of characteristics and what that indicates. And, the possible consequences of such a thing.

Honestly the most amusing attribute is the independent sense of morality. That's so problematic. Those pesky schizoids thinking they get to think for themselves and have beliefs that have not been approved by the APA and stuff. I mean, who do they think they are?!?