Well, again there is no definite answer to that question, and not just because I tend not to deal in absolutes, but simply because it’s still not known what are/is the cause(s) for the schizoid personality disorder. There are only theories, and no founded research is available, only speculation at this time. So before I draw my own conclusions, let’s see what those theories are.
Two schools come into play (surprisingly enough the old duality nature vs. nurture):
Biology / genetic factors:
Chromosomal or nervous system disorders might be a cause. In 1997 researches on the dopamine D2 receptor and dopamine DAT1 transporter gene supported a strong relationship with those important elements of the brain reward mechanisms and the schizoid and avoidant personality disorders.
Some studies seem to show a risk factor in families with history of parents having any of the disorders on the schizophrenic spectrum (one may argue, being educated by such a parent could very well be the cause and not just genetics…)
Educational / Environmental factors:
Some mental health professionals speculate that a bleak childhood where warmth and emotion were absent, histories of grossly inadequate, cold, or neglectful early parenting are contributing factors to developing SPD. (Overprotective mother / detached father).
Traumas in one’s life, in early childhood or adolescence, and family dysfunction may also precipitate the onset of social isolation and fear of social interaction. And it is then reasonable to assume that the schizoid personality disorder is clearly a protective mechanism to protect oneself and one’s ego from being hurt or damaged.
Personally I’ll blend the two schools together. I think there is some biological factors that are into action there, maybe facilitating the onset of SPD, and then some educational or environmental factors are the definite triggering points making an individual cross the line or not…
Not all people genetically predisposed to have cancer or epilepsy will develop it, some environmental factors are entering into play (smoking or not, exercising or not, drawn to computers or not, type of work, stress, etc…) I truly think it’s the same with SPD; some subtle alterations in the brain, that will or not be triggered by environmental factors.
If I resume very briefly (other posts will probably cover that in more details) my own case:
Genetics: My dad was definitively an introvert, thought not clear to what extend and what type.
Biology: I have always been a shy/timid kid as far as I can remember and as far as my report cards go. Demonstrating a natural inclination towards introversion and fantasizing.
Educational: I have no memories of my first two years of course, but based on the rest of my education, I never felt neglected. Though those were the post sixties and both my parents were working at the time, I do not believe it to be determinant (my whole generation was in the same boat).
Environmental: Only child, loss of three grand parents during childhood (2 I was not too attached to, the third a bit more), at 10 we moved breaking what might have been on the way of my first true friendship, then late teen (19) I lost in my dad, my only friend and my grandfather (whom I was extremely attached to) in a 12 months period thru different causes.
My own understanding of this is a definite tendency toward isolation since very young, a trend of reminders during childhood that everyone goes one day, and an absolute fracture at 19 that was, I can still “feel” it, a definitive push over the line. You bet that in 1990 my natural introversion took onto an all new level and if I had to put a “birth date” on my SPD, it will be June 1990. Everything before being a gestation period…
A few references for this article:
http://www.nature.com/mp/journal/v2/n3/pdf/4000261a.pdf
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=38121
http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/3800/3879.asp?index=9744&src=newsp
http://www.peaceandhealing.com/personality/schizoid.asp
Gunderson & Philips, pg. 1445
Oldham, pp. 291-92
March 7th, 2009 at 20:58
Jack : I am so happy to find your blog. I am hoping that you would be willing to help me. I just discovered, after a year-long relationship with a man (mostly through e-mail, text messages and phone conversations, though we did meet in person once — he lives in another state… oh, boy, does he ever!) that he has SPD. I am, on the one hand, extremely relieved to know this — it explains so much that I was feeling about him and our relationship but could not articulate. I have done lots of reading and I am gaining more understanding as time goes on. But I could really use the perspective of someone else with SPD so I can learn to better navigate this new terrain without overwhelming him. I would be so grateful for any insight you could offer. This man means the world to me and has brought so much joy to my life. He is brilliant and kind and thoughtful can make me laugh like he can! He has a five year old daughter and has been married and divorced three times. It seems that I have to now make a shift between passionate love and compassionate love. Not because I want to, but because he said, when asked if he sees our relationship as potentially serious (possibly leading to marriage) he said he’s really never thought about it — but he wasn’t sure if that was good or bad. When I asked him what he wants from me he said he wants what we’ve had these past few months — which is a relationship through correspondence. He said that “in the absence of any other revelation” he wants things to remain as they are. I was initially devastated by all this, as these conversations took place before I learned he had SPD — but the main fear I had was that I’d lose him entirely. Note : if he does not see me as possible mate material I do not blame this on his SPD. I know there are other valid reasons for this. He has made it clear, in his way, that our relationship is important to him. It is clear to me that despite an overt, verbal demonstration of affection, that I do, in fact, mean a great deal to him. The ways he checks in and connects with me regularly, in the ways he’s comfortable with, make me feel cared for. My love for him is truly unconditional — he is who he is, and I only want to understand him better. Being an introvert and quite a loner myself, I have a pretty good base from which to proceed, I think. I tend to create my own universe that I’m happy puttering around in. I have a rich inner life and many interests.I have few close friends, and they tend to be the kind that don’t demand things from me in terms of social expectations. So although I do not have SPD, I am somewhere close on the continuum in terms of how much intimacy I need. I am going to stop here — but would be so happy to get a reply. Thanks much, Jack!
April 6th, 2009 at 18:08
Hi Margot,
I think you are also in the experience project SPD thread, just got at it.
Common sense will have me say : don’t get too dependent, don’t fall into that kind of relationship where the other could abuse of his power over you, but again, I might not be the best judge for this…
You might have connected the dots, but “Nancy” here is also the nice person you talked to in the experience project thread. She might shade some insightful reality check for you.