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The current study sought to provide evidence for a measure of schizoid personality disorder (SZD PD) traits using the Five-Factor Model framework of personality. In the first study, undergraduate participants (n = 496) completed the Five-Factor Schizoid Inventory (FFZI) and other self-report measures. The first half of the sample was used to develop the FFZI, while the second half was used to validate it. The FFZI demonstrated excellent internal consistency, convergent validity with measures of SZD PD and hypothesized IPIP-NEO facets, and discriminant validity with other PDs and non-hypothesized IPIP-NEO facets. The second study recruited MTurk participants (n = 181) and demonstrated preliminary support for the reliability and validity of the FFZI in an online, community sample. Ultimately, these data suggest that the FFZI is a useful measure of SZD PD and provide further evidence that SZD PD can be conceptualized as a maladaptive extension of introversion traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the study is to present a description of a case of a person suffering from schizoid personality disorder with a focus on the mechanisms that influenced the life choices of the patient. Case description: 27-year-old man with schizoid personality disorder has been struggling with it since childhood, which mostly caused by his dysfunctional family. The man considers himself unique because he composes music, wants to write a book, set up a theatre and claims that he is able to discover a lot in math, but does not implement it while living in a fantasy world. Discussion: It is thought-provoking that a person with a personality disorder characterized, among other things, by being indifferent to the praise or criticism of others and displaying emotional coldness, detachment, or shallow emotionality, is interested in areas in which emotions embodied in art are one of the main forms of expression, and encountering feedback from others is intrinsically linked to this. One explanation for this may be that the contact with the audience in the patient's chosen fields of art (electronic music making) is not direct. Conclusions: Currently, treatment for schizoid personality disorder is long and difficult. This is mainly due to the fact that these individuals are often indifferent to the need for change, which can lead to a lack of motivation for any treatment. The main methods include psychodynamic psychotherapy, group psychotherapy and sometimes medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present case report describes a 19-year-old male patient whose main symptoms were emotional coldness, absence of close relationships, difficulty experiencing pleasure with other people, and lack of motivation to work or to continue his studies. A schizoid personality disorder was diagnosed as a product of early maladaptive patterns such as inhibition, emotional deprivation, social isolation, and inadequacy. Likewise, a rigid and fragmented family context was evidenced, with an affective absence of parents and a focus on strict behavioral rules. The study aimed to intervene, from a cognitive clinical approach, the early maladaptive patterns and symptoms that maintained the features of schizoid personality disorder in the patient. For this purpose, cognitive behavioral therapy was carried out, with techniques such as debates, images to reparentalize, assignment of tasks, use of humor, and social skills training, among others. In conclusion, it can be stated that the early maladaptive patterns maintained the schizoid personality symptomatology. Finally, it was demonstrated through clinical and psychometric criteria that cognitive behavioral therapy decreased schizoid personality behaviors in the patient.

This study evaluated the potential of ChatGPT, a large language model, to generate mentalizing-like abilities that are tailored to a specific personality structure and/or psychopathology. Mentalization is the ability to understand and interpret one’s own and others’ mental states, including thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD) are characterized by distinct patterns of emotional regulation. Individuals with BPD tend to experience intense and unstable emotions, while individuals with SPD tend to experience flattened or detached emotions. We used ChatGPT’s free version 23.3 and assessed the extent to which its responses akin to emotional awareness (EA) were customized to the distinctive personality structure-character characterized by Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD), employing the Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale (LEAS). ChatGPT was able to accurately describe the emotional reactions of individuals with BPD as more intense, complex, and rich than those with SPD. This finding suggests that ChatGPT can generate mentalizing-like responses consistent with a range of psychopathologies in line with clinical and theoretical knowledge. However, the study also raises concerns regarding the potential for stigmas or biases related to mental diagnoses to impact the validity and usefulness of chatbot-based clinical interventions. We emphasize the need for the responsible development and deployment of chatbot-based interventions in mental health, which considers diverse theoretical frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the potential of ChatGPT, a large language model, to generate mentalizing-like abilities that are tailored to a specific personality structure and/or psychopathology. Mentalization is the ability to understand and interpret one’s own and others’ mental states, including thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD) are characterized by distinct patterns of emotional regulation. Individuals with BPD tend to experience intense and unstable emotions, while individuals with SPD tend to experience flattened or detached emotions. We used ChatGPT’s free version 23.3 and assessed the extent to which its responses akin to emotional awareness (EA) were customized to the distinctive personality structure-character characterized by Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD), employing the Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale (LEAS). ChatGPT was able to accurately describe the emotional reactions of individuals with BPD as more intense, complex, and rich than those with SPD. This finding suggests that ChatGPT can generate mentalizing-like responses consistent with a range of psychopathologies in line with clinical and theoretical knowledge. However, the study also raises concerns regarding the potential for stigmas or biases related to mental diagnoses to impact the validity and usefulness of chatbot-based clinical interventions. We emphasize the need for the responsible development and deployment of chatbot-based interventions in mental health, which considers diverse theoretical frameworks.

Schizoid personality disorder (SzPD) is characterised by flattened affect, limited capacity to express feeling, indifferent or disinterested attitude towards others with preference for solitary activities. It's east researched and hence most confusing personality disorder, both in terms of assessment and management leading to dropout or low engagement in the treatment process. The authors have attempted to propose a working model for SzPD ensuing their endeavour in management of a case. It's single case study design of a male presented with aimless behaviour, decreased social interaction, poor hygiene, daily alcohol consumption and feeling of boredom. CBT was initiated for depressive symptoms and alcohol dependence with occasional use of substances. The process and response to therapy indicated underlying psychopathology in personality after 13 sessions. Once diagnosis of SzPD was confirmed various techniques were used in therapy with total more than 65 sessions before termination was introduced. The outcome was significant reduction in alcohol intake, identifying triggers and its consequences. The sequel of social withdrawal and benefit of social interaction in occupational functioning. It's helpful to validate patient's unpleasantness and avoidance associated with social involvement as a milestone to build insight into the resulting consequences. The intervention helps in accepting as well as altering one's actions and appraisal of events. The indifferent attitude and limitation of establishing rapport in SzPD can induce burn-out in clinician. Briefing-debriefing sessions with a fellow clinical psychologist is beneficial to stay objective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of schizoid personality disorder (SZPD) is a poorly studied area of psychotherapy. Although the construct of a schizoid personality has been defined for the last century, no clinical guidelines or evidence-based practices have been developed specifically for the treatment of SZPD. The cases series presented in this paper aim to explore the effect of an integrative psychotherapy for patients diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder. Two therapies that showed good evidence in supporting people with recurrent symptoms and mechanisms related to schizoid personality were integrated: Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy. The former has been shown to be effective in treating schizophrenia spectrum disorders and psychosis and their associated negative symptoms, whereas the latter has been found to promote self-soothing and social safeness against a wide range of symptoms. This proposed integrative form of psychotherapy was tested by recruiting two patients diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder. The intervention showed reliable changes in symptomatology and remission from diagnosis. No adverse events were reported. Future research should confirm these findings regarding the feasibility of the proposed intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lower serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) have been suggested to indicate higher suicide risk and various psychiatric symptoms. Previously, we reported that lower serum LDL-C levels are associated with loneliness, social phobia, isolated life with little social support, and lower trust in others among young non-clinical females. Thus, we hypothesize that schizoid personality traits may be associated with lower serum LDL-C. We here verified this hypothesis using non-clinical data and clinical data with schizophrenia. Using the database from the Midlife in Japan (MIDJA), a cohort of residents living in Tokyo, we analyzed whether schizoid-related interpersonal characteristics were associated with LDL-C. In addition, we assessed the association between blood biomarkers including LDL-C and schizoid personality traits in 101 adult non-clinical volunteers. Finally, we evaluated the interaction between LDL-C and social decision making of patients with schizophrenia. In female non-clinical volunteers, serum LDL-C level was a predictive factor and negatively correlated with schizoid personality traits. Female patients with schizophrenia, whose serum LDL-C levels were lower, tended not to trust other females. The present findings suggest that LDL-C may influence schizoid personality traits in females, which provide a basis for further investigation into the biological aspects of schizoid personality disorder.

The present case report describes a 19-year-old male patient whose main symptoms were emotional coldness, absence of close relationships, difficulty experiencing pleasure with other people, and lack of motivation to work or to continue his studies. A schizoid personality disorder was diagnosed as a product of early maladaptive patterns such as inhibition, emotional deprivation, social isolation, and inadequacy. Likewise, a rigid and fragmented family context was evidenced, with an affective absence of parents and a focus on strict behavioral rules. The study aimed to intervene, from a cognitive clinical approach, the early maladaptive patterns and symptoms that maintained the features of schizoid personality disorder in the patient. For this purpose, cognitive behavioral therapy was carried out, with techniques such as debates, images to reparentalize, assignment of tasks, use of humor, and social skills training, among others. In conclusion, it can be stated that the early maladaptive patterns maintained the schizoid personality symptomatology. Finally, it was demonstrated through clinical and psychometric criteria that cognitive behavioral therapy decreased schizoid personality behaviors in the patient., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest with the published data., (This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.)

Lower serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) have been suggested to indicate higher suicide risk and various psychiatric symptoms. Previously, we reported that lower serum LDL-C levels are associated with loneliness, social phobia, isolated life with little social support, and lower trust in others among young non-clinical females. Thus, we hypothesize that schizoid personality traits may be associated with lower serum LDL-C. We here verified this hypothesis using non-clinical data and clinical data with schizophrenia. Using the database from the Midlife in Japan (MIDJA), a cohort of residents living in Tokyo, we analyzed whether schizoid-related interpersonal characteristics were associated with LDL-C. In addition, we assessed the association between blood biomarkers including LDL-C and schizoid personality traits in 101 adult non-clinical volunteers. Finally, we evaluated the interaction between LDL-C and social decision making of patients with schizophrenia. In female non-clinical volunteers, serum LDL-C level was a predictive factor and negatively correlated with schizoid personality traits. Female patients with schizophrenia, whose serum LDL-C levels were lower, tended not to trust other females. The present findings suggest that LDL-C may influence schizoid personality traits in females, which provide a basis for further investigation into the biological aspects of schizoid personality disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schizoid personality disorder (SZPD) is a Cluster A personality disorder whose essential feature is a lifelong pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression. Although SZPD has been in every edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, empirical research on this disorder is actually limited, due to the fact that SZPD is rarely encountered in clinical settings. In fact, individuals with SZPD rarely present for treatment, as their isolation is often ego-syntonic; therefore, the prevalence of SZPD is not clearly established. Suicide ideation may be a running theme for individuals with SZPD. However, suicidality in SZPD is actually an underestimated topic. Aiming to draw more attention to this underestimated issue, with this paper the authors intend to provide a list of studies on suicidality in individuals with SZPD or traits, in the form of a clinical mini-review. Reported studies show that an underlying SZPD, or the presence of schizoid traits too, appear to be definitely a major risk factor for completed suicide and serious suicide attempts. This maladaptive personality disorder seems to not allow the individual to ask for help and to deny him the comforts of intimacy. Therefore, clinicians should be aware that schizoid traits suchs as solitary lifestyle, loneliness, emotional detachment, and impaired communication ability, are features associated with a vulnerability to suicidal behavior. We recommend the clinical assessment of this symptoms' constellation, in order to address patients with SZPD to most proper treatment.