Which personality disorder is characterized by persistent avoidance of social relationships and lack of emotional expression?

Which personality disorder is characterized by persistent avoidance of social relationships and lack of emotional expression?

• A. Paranoid Personality Disorder
• B. Schizoid Personality Disorder
• C. Schizotypal Personality Disorder
• D. Antisocial Personality Disorder

Answer: (B)

The pattern of social withdrawal and limited emotional expression is the hallmark here. This describes schizoid personality disorder, where individuals consistently avoid close relationships and prefer solitary activities, often seeming indifferent to praise, criticism, or social feedback. They tend to have a very narrow range of emotional expression and may appear emotionally cold or detached, choosing to be alone rather than seeking intimacy or companionship. This contrasts with paranoid personality disorder, which centers on pervasive distrust and suspicion of others; schizotypal personality disorder, which involves odd beliefs, eccentric behavior, and discomfort with close relationships; and antisocial personality disorder, which features a pattern of disregard for others’ rights and social norms.

The pattern of social withdrawal and limited emotional expression is the hallmark here. This describes schizoid personality disorder, where individuals consistently avoid close relationships and prefer solitary activities, often seeming indifferent to praise, criticism, or social feedback. They tend to have a very narrow range of emotional expression and may appear emotionally cold or detached, choosing to be alone rather than seeking intimacy or companionship. This contrasts with paranoid personality disorder, which centers on pervasive distrust and suspicion of others; schizotypal personality disorder, which involves odd beliefs, eccentric behavior, and discomfort with close relationships; and antisocial personality disorder, which features a pattern of disregard for others’ rights and social norms.