What are the Behavioral Differences Between an Introvert and A Schizoid?
Temperaments and Personality Disorders
What is Introversion?
Introversion is a normal variation in temperament. Introverts are born rather than made. In general, introverts “refuel” by taking some time to be by themselves. They often find prolonged contact with other people draining. This is in contrast to extroverts who find being with other people invigorating.
“While many introverts appear quiet, they are not generally afraid of other people”
The combination of several client interactions and family each day leaves me completely empty. I can only describe it as a low mood and feel as If I want to find a space for myself to declutter. It can be utterly overwhelming and exhausting not having this time to myself. In some people, this can eventually lead to anger or resentment.
While many introverts appear quiet and are unlikely to talk to strangers or be the life of the party, they are not generally afraid of other people.
Introversion doesn’t mean shy. Introverts simply do not feel the need or the desire to share their inner feelings freely with strangers.
What is Schizoid Personality Disorder?
I asked a severely Schizoid client what she wanted me to tell the therapists that I was training people with Schizoid Personality Disorder. She said:
Tell them that they won’t tell what is going on inside us by looking at us.
In contrast to introversion, people are not born Schizoid. Schizoid Personality Disorder is generally the result of early repetitive childhood traumas. Dr. Elinor Greenberg discusses Schizoid Personality in her blog. She states, “Most of my Schizoid clients report various forms of severe lack of attunement by their parents, including neglect, intrusion, and physical and emotional abuse.”
As a result of their childhood experiences, Schizoid individuals are very concerned with interpersonal safety. Similarly, they usually mistrust other people and find ways to keep other people at a safe distance.
How can you tell if someone is Schizoid or simply Introverted?
The average person and many therapists are unlikely to tell who is Schizoid and who is simply introverted. Most people with Schizoid Disorders are adept at putting on a social mask. “Secret” Schizoids (as some may call them) can blend it and display appropriate interactions to go undetected.
Truthfully, I believe that several are aware of signs and avoid treatment altogether.
It is difficult to tell or “notice” if someone has likely made a Schizoid adaptation. However, many people who want to go into therapy figure out they are Schizoid or have symptoms through their own research.
5 Questions for Schizoid Clients
Dr. Greenberg explains that to make an appropriate diagnosis with a less obvious client, she uses the following five questions:
- Do you dissociate when you feel stressed or afraid?
- Are you afraid of other people?
- Do you often avoid other people because you find them loud, domineering, and intrusive?
- Do you have an elaborate inner fantasy life that you keep private?
- Do you suffer from existential dread — the belief that life is inherently meaningless and the fear that you may get so disconnected from other people that you will not be able to reconnect?
She responds, “Most of my Schizoid clients answer yes to all or most of these. Clients who are simply introverted might answer “yes” to question number 3, but not the others.”
Take-Home
Schizoids can skillfully use social masks, while many introverts don’t fear being around other people, dissociate, or disinterest in personal relationships.
Unless a person with Schizoid Personality Disorder chooses to disclose that to you, you are unlikely to recognize it independently. Is that quiet guy at work introverted or Schizoid? You are unlikely to find out unless you are very good at diagnosing Schizoid Personality Disorder or the person confides in you.
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Read about taking control of your emotions and take the personality type quiz.
Referenced from Elinor Greenberg, Ph.D. She is the author of Borderline, Narcissistic, and Schizoid Adaptations. Not an affiliate referral.
