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
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