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