In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) answer your most-asked questions about schizoid personality. We address misconceptions about schizoid and settle its pronunciation debate (is it skii-zoid or skitz-oid?). We also explore the significant role (or not) of maternal relationships in schizoid’s development. Relatedly, we take a critical look at emotional expression, where we discuss the impact of gender expectations, and the nuanced understanding of fear of intrusion. We further explore power dynamics at play in schizoid behavior, their expression of anger, and how this personality navigates our highly social world.

🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Schizoid Personality 00:50 Pronunciation of Schizoid 04:19 How The Hosts Know About Schizoid 09:54 The Role of Masking in Schizoid Personalities 13:16 Gender Differences in Schizoid Expression 14:46 Does Mom Really Matter? 16:52 Alternative Pathways to Schizoid Development 24:04 Power Dynamics, Fear, & Control in Schizoid Behavior 30:00 Anger & Emotional Expression in Schizoids 34:02 Schizoid & The Big 5 Personality (OCEAN) 35:18 Schizoids & Raisins 37:05 Conclusion & Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the differences and similarities between schizoid personality disorder and autism spectrum disorder, and whether you can be diagnosed with both. We start by discussing the limitations of current research before investigating the underlying causes of social withdrawal seen in both conditions. We conclude by emphasizing that while they may share observable traits, their origins and implications are fundamentally different.

🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Schizoid & Autism 00:58 Problems with ASD & SzPD research 04:42 Autistic Thinking Defined 05:26 Autistic Fantasy Defined 05:54 Autism Name Origins 06:25 Autistic Contiguous Position Defined 08:22 Similarities b/w Autism & Schizoid 10:54 Genetics & Etiological Differences 11:40 Schizophrenia’s Genetics 12:37 Autism Genetics 14:50 Can Schizoid and Autism Co-Occur? 17:58 Development of ASD vs SzPD 18:46 Imagination in Schizoid vs ASD 19:08 Late Diagnosing of ASD + Cultural Trends 21:24 Viewer Question: Phantasy of the Schizoid 25:18 Mirror Neurons in ASD vs SzPD 28:05 Our Thoughts About Dual ASD & SzPD Diagnoses 36:05 Summary & Conclusion

In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) use a fresh psychodynamic perspective to look at the misunderstood, quiet, awkward, and socially backwards schizoid. We explore the misunderstandings and stigmas surrounding schizoids, their emotional depth, and the historical perspectives that have shaped our understanding of this personality type. Our conversation highlights the internal struggles of schizoids, their coping mechanisms, and the rich inner lives they lead, often hidden from the outside world. We also take a look at the superpower of the schizoid and how they spot others’ disingenuousness. We emphasize the unique internal experiences of schizoids and the need for a compassionate approach in relationships and in clinical practice.

🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Schizoid Personality 01:42 What do Schizoids Look Like? 03:30 Stigmatization of Schizoids 05:05 Historical Names & Schizoids’ Discovery 06:18 Kahlbaum’s Heboid Personality 06:47 Hoch’s Shut In Personality 07:05 Kraeplin’s Mildly Defective Personality 07:26 Bleuler’s Schizoidie Personality 08:07 Jung’s Introverted Personality 09:12 Menninger & Schizoid’s False Shell / Exterior 09:52 Winnicott & Schizoid's False Self 10:35 Guntrip on Depression & Anhedonia in Schizoids 12:26 Schizoids as Therapists 13:40 Akhtar’s Overt & Covert Personality Features 15:08 Nancy McWilliams’ Psychodynamic Schizoid 15:43 Attachment’s Influence on Schizoid 16:25 Schizoid’s Core Fears 18:32 Schizoid and Histrionic Connection 19:40 Schizoid’s Defense Mechanisms 23:03 Sense of Self & Castle Metaphor 24:08 Schizoid vs Obsessive Compulsive Personalities 24:38 The Colorful Inner World of Schizoids 27:40 Schizoids’ Superpower 30:30 Summary and Conclusion