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Suggest Treatment For Schizoid Personality Disorder
Question: If a man in his early twenties has some indications of catatonia, such as sitting for long periods and staring into space and not saying more than two or three words when spoken to, and showing general weariness, but still functions (drives car, completes household duties, fulfils complex work commitments), is this liable to develop into something stronger, or is this likely to disappear over time?
Brief Answer:
Personality problems may be there
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing through HCM.
I have read your query and understood your concerns.
Personality disorders develop before person reaches to 18 years of age. That is why it is called personality disorder. Personality of a person is shaped in childhood and early adolescence.
Whatever symptoms you are mentioning favours towards schizoid personality traits but it requires detailed evaluation.
Answer the following questions:
1. Does he like to socialize?
2. Does he remain alone for most of the time?
3. Does he have any concerns regarding what others are talking about him?
4. Does he always choose solitary activities?
5. Does he take pleasure in few, if any, activities?
6. Does he lack close friends or confidants other than first-degree relatives?
7. Does he appear indifferent to the praise or criticism of others?
8. Does he show emotional coldness, detachment, or flattened affect (emotion)?
These are the symptoms of schizoid personality disorder. You need to take him to the psychiatrist and ask for detailed evaluation. The symptoms like catatonia can occur in personality problems like schizoid or shizotypal personality disorders.
If you can understand these symptoms in him then revert back.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have further query then I shall be happy to help.
Wish you good health.
Personality problems may be there
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing through HCM.
I have read your query and understood your concerns.
Personality disorders develop before person reaches to 18 years of age. That is why it is called personality disorder. Personality of a person is shaped in childhood and early adolescence.
Whatever symptoms you are mentioning favours towards schizoid personality traits but it requires detailed evaluation.
Answer the following questions:
1. Does he like to socialize?
2. Does he remain alone for most of the time?
3. Does he have any concerns regarding what others are talking about him?
4. Does he always choose solitary activities?
5. Does he take pleasure in few, if any, activities?
6. Does he lack close friends or confidants other than first-degree relatives?
7. Does he appear indifferent to the praise or criticism of others?
8. Does he show emotional coldness, detachment, or flattened affect (emotion)?
These are the symptoms of schizoid personality disorder. You need to take him to the psychiatrist and ask for detailed evaluation. The symptoms like catatonia can occur in personality problems like schizoid or shizotypal personality disorders.
If you can understand these symptoms in him then revert back.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have further query then I shall be happy to help.
Wish you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Our son doesn't want to go to a psychiatrist at the moment as he says there's nothing wrong with him. He says he's fine and that everything's okay. When his sister questioned him about how he was being, he said 'I won't always be like this.'
Do you have any other suggestions?
Do you have any other suggestions?
Brief Answer:
It may improve over time
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing again.
If he is doing all his duties well then there is no need to worry.
If he is telling that he won't be like this always then there must be something in his mind that is bothering him and he is not conveying that to you.
At the age of 24 years likely cause for stress can be:
1. Romantic involvement with someone
2. Stress of study
3. Depression
4. Rumination over particular stressor in family or at study place
5. Social anxiety
So, now what you have to do is to communicate with him calmly and ask him to reveal his feelings of anything that is bothering him. If he has insight in his symptoms then there are higher chances that he can improve himself with family support.
If he is more comfortable talking with his sister then give this task to her. Talking about the problems and stress will make him better and there will be less need for drugs. Do not scold him or try to convey that he is weak by mind because he is not. He needs support and that you need to give.
Meanwhile, you shall observe his behavior at home and outside, if possible. If his condition is worsening then you will have to take him for professional help irrespective of his will.
Hope I have answered your query. If you do not have further clarifications then close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you good health.
It may improve over time
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing again.
If he is doing all his duties well then there is no need to worry.
If he is telling that he won't be like this always then there must be something in his mind that is bothering him and he is not conveying that to you.
At the age of 24 years likely cause for stress can be:
1. Romantic involvement with someone
2. Stress of study
3. Depression
4. Rumination over particular stressor in family or at study place
5. Social anxiety
So, now what you have to do is to communicate with him calmly and ask him to reveal his feelings of anything that is bothering him. If he has insight in his symptoms then there are higher chances that he can improve himself with family support.
If he is more comfortable talking with his sister then give this task to her. Talking about the problems and stress will make him better and there will be less need for drugs. Do not scold him or try to convey that he is weak by mind because he is not. He needs support and that you need to give.
Meanwhile, you shall observe his behavior at home and outside, if possible. If his condition is worsening then you will have to take him for professional help irrespective of his will.
Hope I have answered your query. If you do not have further clarifications then close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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