Question

What is a key characteristic of Schizoid personality disorder?

• A. Fear of abandonment
• B. Excessive need for attention
• C. Unstable self-image
• D. Lack of interest in social and personal relationships

Hint:

Do not confuse Schizoid with Schizotypal. Both involve social detachment, but Schizotypal personality disorder includes odd beliefs, magical thinking, and perceptual distortions, whereas Schizoid is characterized simply by a flat, detached indifference to social contact.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Defining Personality Disorders:
A personality disorder is a long-term pattern of thinking, feeling, and behaving that deviates significantly from cultural expectations, causing distress or functional impairment.

Step 2: Analyzing Schizoid Personality Disorder (Cluster A):
Schizoid personality disorder belongs to Cluster A (characterized by odd or eccentric behaviors). Individuals with this condition typically display:

• A pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships.
• A highly limited range of emotional expression in interpersonal settings (flat affect).
• A strong preference for solitary activities and a lack of desire for close relationships, including being part of a family.

Step 3: Evaluating the Options:

• Fear of abandonment (A) and Unstable self-image (C) are core characteristics of Borderline Personality Disorder (Cluster B).
• Excessive need for attention (B) is characteristic of Histrionic Personality Disorder (Cluster B).
• Lack of interest in social and personal relationships (D) aligns perfectly with the diagnostic criteria for Schizoid Personality Disorder.