UNIT 4 SCHIZOID AND PARANOID

PERSONALITY DISORDER
Structure
4.0 Introduction
4.1 Objectives
4.2 Schizoid Personality Disorder
4.2.1 Diagnostic Criteria
4.2.2 Causes
4.2.3 Treatment
4.2.4 Prognosis

4.3 Paranoid Personality Disorder

4.3.1 Diagnostic Criteria
4.3.2 Causes
4.3.3 Treatment
4.3.4 Prognosis

4.4 Let Us Sum Up

4.5 Unit End Questions
4.6 Glossary
4.7 Suggested Readings

4.0 INTRODUCTION
In our social interaction we sometimes come across to such persons who are alone,
reserved, socially withdrawn, and seclusive. They choose a solitary walk over an
invitation to a party. Such people rarely express their feelings directly. Since they
show an inability to form social relationship, they typically do not have good friends.
The persons having these characteristics are labeled as suffering from schizoid
personality disorder. On the other hand we sometimes come across to such persons
who are very mistrustful and suspicious of others. Being too distrustful they can
interfere with making friends, working with other. The persons having these
characteristics are labeled as suffering from paranoid personality disorder. In the
present unit we will discuss the meaning, diagnostic criteria of schizoid and paranoid
personality disorders. We will also try to understand the causes and treatment of
schizoid personality disorder and paranoid personality disorder.

4.1 OBJECTIVES
After reading this unit, you will be able to:
 Explain the meaning of schizoid personality disorder;
 Discuss the diagnostic criteria of schizoid personality disorder;
 Distinguish schizoid personality disorder from other mental disorders;
 Understand the causes of schizoid personality disorder;
50
 Explain the treatment of schizoid personality disorder;
 Define paranoid personality disorder and explain its symptoms; Schizoid and Paranoid
Personality Disorder
 Understand the diagnostic criteria of paranoid personality disorder;
 Explain the differential diagnosis of paranoid personality disorder;
 Explain the causes of paranoid personality disorder; and
 Understand the treatment of paranoid personality disorder.

4.2 SCHIZOID PERSONALITY DISORDER

The term schizoid is relatively old, having been used by Bleular (1924) to designate
a natural human tendency to direct attention toward one’s inner life and away from
the external world, a concept akin to introversion in that it was not viewed in terms
of psychopathology. Bleuler also labeled the exaggeration of this tendency the “schizoid
personality”. Schizoid Personality Disorder is characterised by a long-standing pattern
of detachment from social relationships. A person with schizoid personality disorder
often has difficulty in expressing emotions and does so typically in very restricted
range, especially when communicating with others. A person with this disorder may
appear to lack a desire for intimacy, and will avoid close relationships with others.
They may often prefer to spend time with themselves rather than socialise or be in
a group of people. In lay people terms, a person with schizoid personality disorder
might be thought of as the typical “loner.” Individuals with Schizoid Personality
Disorder may have particular difficulty expressing anger, even in response to direct
provocation, which contributes to the impression that they lack emotion. Their lives
sometimes seem directionless, and they may appear to “drift” in their goals. Such
individuals often react passively to adverse circumstances and have difficulty responding
appropriately to important life events. Employment or work functioning may be
impaired, particularly if interpersonal involvement is required, but individuals with this
disorder may do well when they work under conditions of social isolation.

4.2.1 Diagnostic Criteria

The DSM- IV-TR defines schizoid personality disorder (in Axis II, Cluster A) as:
A pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of
expression of emotions in interpersonal settings, beginning by early adulthood (age
eighteen or older) and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four (or more)
of the following:
 neither desires nor enjoys close relationships, including being part of a family;
 almost always chooses solitary activities;
 has little, if any, interest in having sexual experiences with another person;
 takes pleasure in few, if any, activities;
 lacks close friends or confidants other than first-degree relatives;
 appears indifferent to the praise or criticism of others;
 shows emotional coldness, detachment, or flattened affectivity.
 it is a requirement of DSM-IV that a diagnosis of any specific personality
disorder also satisfies a set of general personality disorder criteria.
51
Personality Disorders The ICD-10 of World Health Organisation lists schizoid personality disorder as
(F 60.1). It is characterised by at least four of the following criteria:
 Emotional coldness, detachment or reduced affection.
 Limited capacity to express either positive or negative emotions towards others.
 Consistent preference for solitary activities.
 Very few, if any, close friends or relationships and a lack of desire for such.
 Indifference to either praise or criticism.
 Taking pleasure in few, if any, activities.
 Indifference to social norms and conventions.
 Preoccupation with fantasy and introspection.
 Lack of desire for sexual experiences with another person.
People with schizoid personality disorder show no interest or enjoyment in developing
interpersonal relationships; this may also include family members. They perceive
themselves as social misfits and believe they can function best when not dependent
on anyone except themselves. They rarely date, often do not marry, and have few,
if any, friends (criterion-1). They prefer and choose activities that they can do by
themselves without dependence upon or involvement by others. Examples of activities
they might choose include mechanical or abstract tasks such as computer or
mathematical games (criterion-2). There is typically little or no interest in having a
sexual experience with another person. This would include a spouse if the affected
person is married (criterion-3). Lacks pleasure: There is an absence of pleasure in
most activities. A person with schizoid personality disorder seems unable to experience
the full range of emotion accessible to most people (criterion-4). People affected
with this disorder typically do not have the social skills necessary to develop meaningful
interpersonal relationships. This results in few ongoing social relationships outside of
immediate family members (criterion-5). Indifferent to praise or criticism: Neither
positive nor negative comments made by others elicit an emotionally expressive
reaction. They don’t appear concerned about what others might think of them
(criterion-6). Their emotional style is aloof and perceived by others as distant or
“cold.” They seem unable or uninterested in expressing empathy and concern for
others. Emotions are significantly restricted and most social contacts would describe
their personality as very bland, dull or humorless. The person with schizoid personality
disorder rarely picks up on or reciprocates normal communicational cues such as
facial expressions, head nods, or smiles (criterion-7).
It is difficult to accurately assess the prevalence of this disorder because people with
schizoid personality disorder rarely seek treatment. Schizoid personality disorder
affects men more often than women and is more common in people who have close
relatives with schizophrenia. Schizoid personality disorder usually beings in early
adulthood. Schizoid personality disorder is uncommon in clinical settings. Schizoid
personality disorder is rare compared with other personality disorders. Its prevalence
is estimated at less than 1% of the general population (Weismann, 1993).
Although schizoid personality disorder shares several aspects with other psychological
disorders, there are some important differentiating features. While people who have
schizoid personality disorder can also suffer from clinical depression, this is certainly
52
not always the case. Unlike depressed people, persons with schizoid personality Schizoid and Paranoid
Personality Disorder
disorder generally do not consider themselves inferior to others, although they will
probably recognise that they are different. The social deficiencies of people with
schizoid personality disorder are also similar to those of people with paranoid personality
disorder, although they are more extreme. As Beck and Freeman (1990) put it, they
“consider themselves to be observers rather than participants in the world around
them”. They do not seem to have the very unusual thought processes that characterise
the other disorders in Cluster A (Kalus et.al., 1993). Unlike avoidant personality
disorder, those affected with schizoid personality disorder do not avoid social
interactions due to anxiety or feelings of incompetence, but because they are genuinely
indifferent to social relationships.

4.2.2 Cause
The exact causes of schizoid personality disorder are unknown, although a combination
of genetic and environmental factors, particularly in early childhood, are thought to
contribute to development of all personality disorders. The schizoid personality disorder
has its roots in the family of the affected person. These families are typically emotionally
reserved, have a high degree of formality, and have a communication style that is
aloof and impersonal. Parents usually express inadequate amounts of affection to the
child and provide insufficient amounts of emotional stimulus. This lack of stimulus
during the first year of life is thought to be largely responsible for the person’s
disinterest in forming close, meaningful relationships later in life. People with schizoid
personality disorder have learned to imitate the style of interpersonal relationships
modeled in their families. In this environment, affected people fail to learn basic
communication skills that would enable them to develop relationships and interact
effectively with others. Their communication is often vague and fragmented, which
others find confusing. Many individuals with schizoid personality disorder feel
misunderstood by others.
A person with schizoid personality disorder may have had a parent who was cold
or unresponsive to emotional needs, or might have grown up in a foster home where
there was no love. Or, because people with schizoid personality disorder are often
described as being hypersensitive or thin-skinned in early adolescence, a person with
schizoid personality disorder may have had needs that others treated with exasperation
or scorn. A family history such as having a parent who has any of the disorders on
the schizophrenic spectrum also increases the chances of developing the disorder.
Some other theorists subscribe to a bio-psychosocial model of causation- that is,
the causes of are likely due to biological and genetic factors, social factors (such as
how a person interacts in their early development with their family and friends and
other children), and psychological factors (the individual’s personality and temperament,
shaped by their environment and learned coping skills to deal with stress). This
suggests that no single factor is responsible — rather, it is the complex and likely
intertwined nature of all three factors that are important. If a person has this personality
disorder, research suggests that there is a slightly increased risk for this disorder to
be “passed down” to their children

4.2.3 Treatment
As with all personality disorders, the treatment of choice for schizoid personality
disorder is psychotherapy. However, people with this disorder are unlikely to seek
treatment unless they are under increased stress or pressure in their life. Treatment
will usually be short-term in nature to help the individual solve the immediate crisis 53
Personality Disorders or problem. The patient will then likely terminate therapy. Goals of treatment most
often are solution-focused using brief therapy approaches. Long-term psychotherapy
should be avoided because of its poor treatment outcomes and the financial hardships
inherent in length therapy. Instead, psychotherapy should focus on simple treatment
goals to alleviate current pressing concerns or stressors within the individual’s life.
Cognitive behavioural therapy, group therapy, family therapy and marital therapy
have been widely used for treating people with schizoid personality disorder.
Attempting to cognitively restructure the patient’s thoughts can enhance self-insight.
Constructive ways of accomplishing this would include concrete assignments such as
keeping daily records of problematic behaviours or thoughts. Another helpful method
can be teaching social skills through role-playing. This might enable individuals to
become more conscious of communication cues given by others and sensitise them
to others’ needs. Group therapy may provide the patient with a socialising experience
that exposes them to feedback from others in a safe, controlled environment. It can
also provide a means of learning and practicing social skills in which they are deficient.
Since the patient usually avoids social contact, timing of group therapy is of particular
importance. It is best to develop first a therapeutic relationship between therapist and
patient before starting a group therapy treatment. It is unlikely that a person with
schizoid personality disorder will seek family therapy or marital therapy. If pursued,
it is usually on the initiative of the spouse or other family member. Many people with
this disorder do not marry and end up living with and are dependent upon first-
degree family members. In this case, therapy may be recommended for family members
to educate them on aspects of change or ways to facilitate communication. Marital
therapy may focus on helping the couple to become more involved in each other’s
lives or improve communication patterns.

4.2.4 Prognosis
Since a person with schizoid personality disorder seeks to be isolated from others,
which includes those who might provide treatment, there is only a slight chance that
most patients will seek help on their own initiative. Those who do may stop treatment
prematurely because of their difficulty maintaining a relationship with the professional
or their lack of motivation for change. If the degree of social impairment is mild,
treatment might succeed if its focus is on maintenance of relationships related to the
patient’s employment. The patient’s need to support him- or herself financially can
act as a higher incentive for pursuit of treatment outcomes.
Self Assessment Questions
1) Discuss the meaning of schizoid personality disorder.
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2) Explain the diagnostic criteria of dependent personality disorder.
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 Schizoid and Paranoid
3) How does dependent personality disorder differ from other mental disorders? Personality Disorder

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4) Explain the causes of schizoid personality disorder.
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5) How can schizoid personality disorder be treated? Discuss the methods of
treatment.
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4.3 PARANOID PERSONALITY DISORDER

Paranoid personality disorder is one of a group of conditions called eccentric personality
disorders in which people with these disorders often appear odd or peculiar. People
with paranoid personality disorder also suffer from paranoia, an unrelenting mistrust
and suspicion of others, even when there is no reason to be suspicious. Paranoid
personality disorder is characterised by an extreme level of distrust and suspicion of
others. Paranoid personalities are generally difficult to get along with, and their
combative and distrustful nature often elicits hostility in others. The negative social
interactions that result from their behaviour then serve to confirm and reinforce their
original pessimistic expectations. People with paranoid personality disorder are unlikely
to form many close relationships and are typically perceived as cold and distant.
They are quick to challenge the loyalty of friends and loved ones and tend to carry
long grudges (Dobbert 2007, Kantor 2004). They are often preoccupied with doubts
about the loyalty of the friends, leading to a reluctance to confide in others. They also
may be hypersensitive, as indicated by a tendency to read threatening meanings into
benign remarks. They also commonly bear grudges, are unwilling to forgive perceived
insults and slights, and are quick to react with anger (Bernstein, Useda, & Siever,
1995; Widiger & Frances, 1994). This disorder usually begins by early adulthood
and appears to be more common in men than in women. The prevalence of Paranoid
Personality Disorder has been estimated to be as high as 4.5% of the general
population.

4.3.1 Diagnostic Criteria

Paranoid personality disorder is a condition characterised by excessive distrust and
suspiciousness of others. This disorder is only diagnosed when these behaviours 55
Personality Disorders become persistent and very disabling or distressing. This disorder should not be
diagnosed if the distrust and suspiciousness occurs exclusively during the course of
Schizophrenia, a Mood Disorder With Psychotic Features, or another Psychotic
Disorder or if it is due to the direct physiological effects of a neurological (e.g.,
temporal lobe epilepsy) or other general medical condition. The Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (American Psychiatric
Association, 1994) describes paranoid personality disorder as a pervasive distrust
and suspiciousness of others such that their motives are interpreted as malevolent,
beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts. Paranoid personality
disorder is considered a Cluster A personality disorder along with schizoid and
Schizotypal and characterised by odd or eccentric behaviour. A diagnosis of paranoid
personality disorder should be considered when these paranoid behaviours become
persistent and disabling.
According to the DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders), a patient must fit at least four of the following criteria in order to be
diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder:
The unfounded suspicion that people want to deceive, exploit or harm the patient.
The pervasive belief that others are not worthy of trust or that they are not inclined
to or capable of offering loyalty.
A fear that others will use information against the patient with the intention of harming
him or her. This fear is demonstrated by a reluctance to share even harmless personal
information with others.
The interpretation of others’ innocent remarks as insulting or demeaning; or the
interpretation of neutral events as presenting or conveying a threat.
A strong tendency not to forgive real or imagined slights and insults. People with
paranoid personality disorder nurture grudges for a long time.
An angry and aggressive response in reply to imagined attacks by others. The
counterattack for a perceived insult is often rapid.
Suspicions, in the absence of any real evidence, that a spouse or sexual partner is
not sexually faithful, resulting in such repeated questions as “Where have you been?”
“Whom did you see?” etc., and other types of jealous behaviour.
The ICD – 10 of World Health Organisation lists paranoid personality disorder as
(F 60.0)
It is characterised by at least 3 of the following:
 excessive sensitivity to setbacks and rebuffs;
 tendency to bear grudges persistently, i.e. refusal to forgive insults and injuries
or slights;
 suspiciousness and a pervasive tendency to distort experience by misconstruing
the neutral or friendly actions of others as hostile or contemptuous;
 a combative and tenacious sense of personal rights out of keeping with the
actual situation;
 recurrent suspicions, without justification, regarding sexual fidelity of spouse or
56 sexual partner;
 tendency to experience excessive self-importance, manifest in a persistent self- Schizoid and Paranoid
Personality Disorder
referential attitude;
 preoccupation with unsubstantiated “conspiratorial” explanations of events both
immediate to the patient and in the world at large.
It is a requirement of ICD-10 that a diagnosis of any specific personality disorder
also satisfies a set of general personality disorder criteria.
Paranoid personality disorder is confused with other mental disorders or behaviours
that have some symptoms in common with the paranoid personality. For example,
it is important to make sure that the patient is not a long-term user of amphetamine
or cocaine. Chronic abuse of these stimulants can produce paranoid behaviour. Also,
some prescription medications might produce paranoia as a side effect; so it is
important to find out what drugs, if any, the patient is taking. There are other
conditions that, if present, would mean a patient with paranoid traits does not have
paranoid personality disorder. For example, if the patient has symptoms of
schizophrenia, hallucinations or a formal thought disorder, a diagnosis of paranoid
personality disorder can’t be made. The same is true of delusions, which are not a
feature of paranoid personality disorder.
There are a number of disorders or other mental health conditions listed in the DSM-
IV-TR that could be confused with paranoid personality disorder because they share
similar or identical symptoms with paranoid personality disorder. It is important,
therefore, to eliminate the following entities before settling on a diagnosis of paranoid
personality disorder: paranoid schizophrenia; Schizotypal personality disorder; schizoid
personality disorder; persecutory delusional disorder; mood disorder with psychotic
features; symptoms and/or personality changes produced by disease, medical
conditions, medication or drugs of abuse; paranoia linked to the development of
physical handicaps; and borderline, histrionic, avoidant, antisocial or narcissistic
personality disorders.

4.3.2 Causes
The specific cause of paranoid personality disorder is unknown, but the incidence
appears increased in families with a schizophrenic member. There seem to be more
cases of in families that have one or more members who suffer from such psychotic
disorders as schizophrenia or delusional disorder (Bernstein et. al., 1993). Although
evidence for biological contribution to paranoid personality disorder is limited, some
studies of identical and fraternal twins suggest that genetic factors may also play an
important role in causing the disorder. Twin studies indicate that genes contribute to
the development of childhood personality disorders, including paranoid personality
disorder (Bernstein et. al., 1995; Kendler et.al 2006).
Psychological and social factors have also been considered for the development in
paranoid personality disorder. Some psychologists point directly to the thoughts of
people with paranoid personality disorder as a way of explaining their behaviour.
One view is that people with this disorder make the following basic mistaken
assumptions about others: “People are malevolent and deceptive,” “They will attack
you if they get the chance” and “You can OK only if you stay on your toes”
(.Freeman, Pretzer, Fleming, & Simon, 1990). This maladaptive way to view the
world results in the development paranoid personality disorder. Paranoid personality
disorder can also result from negative childhood experiences fostered by a threatening
domestic atmosphere. It is prompted by extreme and unfounded parental rage and/
or condescending parental influence that cultivate profound child insecurities. 57
Personality Disorders 4.3.3 Treatment
As it has been stated that people with paranoid disorder are mistrustful of everyone,
they are unlikely to seek professional help when they need it and also have difficulty
developing the trusting relationships necessary for successful therapy. Therapists try
to provide an atmosphere that is conducive to developing a sense of trust (Freeman
et. al., 1990). Cognitive therapy is widely used to counter the person’s mistaken
assumptions about others (Tukat & Maisto, 1985), focusing on changing the person’s
belief that everyone is malevolent and that most people cannot be trusted. Group and
family therapy, not surprisingly, is not of much use in the treatment of paranoid
personality disorder due to the mistrust people with paranoid personality disorder
feel towards others.
As personality is a relatively stable, deeply rooted aspect of self, the long-term
projection for those with paranoid personality disorder is often bleak. Most patients
experience the symptoms of their disorder for their entire life and, in order to manage
their symptoms of paranoia, require consistent therapy (Dobbert 2007, Kantor 2004).
Medication generally is not used to treat paranoid personality disorder. However,
medications, such as anti-anxiety, antidepressant or anti-psychotic drugs, might be
prescribed if the person’s symptoms are extreme, or if he or she also suffers from
an associated psychological problem, such as anxiety or depression.

4.3.4 Prognosis
Personality disorder is a chronic disorder, which means it tends to last throughout a
person’s life. Although some people can function fairly well with paranoid personality
disorder and are able to marry and hold jobs, others are complete disabled by the
disorder. Because people with paranoid personality disorder tend to resist treatment,
the outcome often is poor. Since paranoid personality disorder is often a chronic,
lifelong condition; the long-term prognosis is usually not encouraging. Feelings of
paranoia, however, can be controlled to a degree with successful therapy.
Self Assessment Questions
1) Discuss the nature of paranoid personality disorder.
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2) Explain the diagnostic criteria of paranoid personality disorder.
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3) How does paranoid personality disorder differ from other mental disorders?
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 Schizoid and Paranoid
..................................................................................................................... Personality Disorder

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4) Explain the causes of paranoid personality disorder.
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5) Can paranoid personality disorder be treated? Discuss the methods of treatment.
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4.4 LET US SUM UP

Schizoid Personality Disorder is characterised by a long-standing pattern of detachment
from social relationships. A person with schizoid personality disorder often has difficulty
in expressing emotions and does so typically in very restricted range, especially when
communicating with others. A person with this disorder may appear to lack a desire
for intimacy, and will avoid close relationships with others. The DSM- IV-TR defines
schizoid personality disorder as a pervasive pattern of detachment from social
relationships and a restricted range of expression of emotions in interpersonal settings,
beginning by early adulthood (age eighteen or older) and present in a variety of
contexts.
The exact causes of schizoid personality disorder are unknown, although a combination
of genetic and environmental factors, particularly in early childhood, are thought to
contribute to development of all personality disorders. The schizoid personality disorder
has its roots in the family of the affected person.
Psychotherapy is the treatment of choice for schizoid personality disorder. Goals of
treatment most often are solution-focused using brief therapy approaches. Long-term
psychotherapy should be avoided because of its poor treatment outcomes and the
financial hardships. Instead, psychotherapy should focus on simple treatment goals to
alleviate current pressing concerns or stressors within the individual’s life. Cognitive
behavioural therapy, group therapy, family therapy and marital therapy have been
widely used for treating people with schizoid personality disorder.
Paranoid Personality Disorder is characterised by an extreme level of distrust and
suspicion of others. Paranoid personalities are generally difficult to get along with,
and their combative and distrustful nature often elicits hostility in others. People with
paranoid personality disorder are unlikely to form many close relationships and are
typically perceived as cold and distant. They are quick to challenge the loyalty of
friends and loved ones and tend to carry long grudge.
The exact cause of paranoid personality disorder is not known, but it likely involves
a combination of biological and psychological factors. The fact that paranoid personality 59
Personality Disorders disorder is more common in people who have close relatives with schizophrenia
suggests a genetic link between the two disorders. Early childhood experiences,
including physical or emotional trauma, are also suspected to play a role in the
development of paranoid personality disorder.
Since people with paranoid disorder are mistrustful of everyone, they are unlikely to
seek professional help when they need it and also have difficulty developing the
trusting relationships necessary for successful therapy. Cognitive therapy is widely
used to counter the person’s mistaken assumptions about others focusing on changing
the person’s belief that everyone is malevolent and that most people cannot be
trusted

4.5 UNIT END QUESTIONS

1) Define schizoid personality disorder and explain its symptoms.
2) Discuss the diagnostic features of schizoid personality disorder.
3) In what respect does schizoid personality disorder differ from other forms of
personality disorder?
4) Explain the causes of schizoid personality disorder.
5) How can schizoid personality disorder be treated? Discuss the methods of
treatment.
6) Explain the nature and symptoms of paranoid personality disorder.
7) Explain the diagnostic features of paranoid personality disorder.
8) In what respect histrionic personality disorder is different from paranoid
personality disorder?
9) Discuss the causes of paranoid personality disorder.
10) Discuss psychotherapies used for treating the individuals with paranoid personality
disorder.

4.6 GLOSSARY
Antisocial personality disorder: A personality disorder featuring a pervasive
pattern of disregard for and violation of rights
of others.
Avoidant personality disorder : A personality disorder featuring a pervasive
pattern of social inhibition, feeling of inadequacy,
and hypersensitivity to criticism.
Borderline personality disorder: Personality disorder involving extreme “black
and white” thinking, instability in relationships,
self-image, identity and behaviour. Borderline
personality disorder occurs in 3 times as many
females than males.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy : Group of treatment procedures aimed at
identifying and modifying faulty thought
processes, attitudes and attributions, and
problem behaviours.
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Delusion : False belief about reality but maintained in spite Schizoid and Paranoid
Personality Disorder
of strong evidence to the contrary.
Dependent personality disorder: Personality disorder characterised by pervasive
psychological dependence on other people.
Depression : Pervasive feeling of sadness that may begin after
some loss or stressful event, but that continue
long afterwards.
Empathy : Ability to understand and to some extent share
the feelings and emotions of another person.
Family therapy : Specialised type of group therapy in which the
members of the family of the client all participate
in group-treatment session.
Group therapy : Psychotherapy of several persons at the same
time in small groups.
Hallucination : False perception; things seen or heard that are
not real or present.
Histrionic personality disorder: Personality disorder characterised by
pervasive attention-seeking behaviour including
inappropriate sexual seductiveness and shallow
or exaggerated emotions.
Introversion : Tendency to be shy and withdrawn.
Narcissistic personality disorder: personality disorder involving a pervasive
pattern of grandiosity need for admiration, and
a lack of empathy.
Paranoia : Person’s irrational beliefs he or she is especially
important or that other people are seeking to
do him or her harm.
Paranoid personality disorder : Cluster A (odd or eccentric) personality disorder
involving pervasive distrust and suspiciousness
of others such that their motives are interpreted
as malevolent.
Personality disorders : Characterised by enduring maladaptive patterns
for relating to the environment and oneself,
exhibited in a wide range of contexts that cause
significant functional impairment or subjective
distress.
Psychotherapy : Treatment of mental disorders by psychological
methods.
Schizoid personality disorder : Cluster A (odd or eccentric) personality disorder
featuring a pervasive pattern of detachment from
social relationships and a restricted range of
expression of emotions.
Schizophrenia : Psychoses characterised by the breakdown of
integrated personality functioning, withdrawal
from reality, emotional blunting and distortion,
and disturbances in thought and behaviour. 61
Personality Disorders
4.7 SUGGESTED READINGS
Carson, R., Butcher, J.N., & Mineka, S. (2005). Abnormal Psychology and Modern
Life (3rd Indian reprint). Pearson Education (Singapoer).
Durand, V. K. & Barlow, D. H. (2000). Abnormal Psychology: An Introduction.
Stamford: Thomson Learning.
Sarason, I.G. Sarason, B.R. (1996). Abnormal psychology: The problem of
maladaptive behaviour. New Jersey: Prentice Hall Inc.
References
American Psychiatric Association (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders. ( 4th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.
American Psychiatric Association (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders. 4th edition, text revised. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric
Association.
Bernstein, D. P., Useda, D. & Siever, L. J. (1993). Paranoid personality disorder:
Review of the literature and recommendations for DSM-IV. Journal of Personality
disorders, 7, 53-62.
Bernstein, D. P., Useda, D. & Siever, L. J. (1995). Paranoid personality disorder.
In W. J. Livesley (Ed). The DSM-IV personality disorders. Diagnosis and treatment
of mental disorders, New York: Guilford.
Bleular, E. (1924). Textbook of psychiatry. A. A. Brill, Trans. New York: Macmillan.
Dobbert, D. (2007) Understanding Personality Disorders: An Introduction. Greenwood
Press.
Freeman, A., Pretzer, J., Fleming, B. & Simon, K. M. (1990). Clinical applications
of cognitive therapy. New York: Plenum Press.
Kalus, O., Burnstein, D. O., & Siever, L. J. (1993). Schizoid personality disorder:
A review of current status and implications for DSM-IV. Journal of Personality
Disorders, 7, 43-52.
Kantor, M. (2004) Understanding Paranoia: A Guide for Professionals, Families,
and Sufferers. Greenwood Publishing Group.
Kendler KS, Czajkowski N, Tambs K, et al (2006). Dimensional representations of
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