Ep 36: Schizoid Personality vs Autism | Are They The Same?
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the differences and similarities between schizoid personality disorder and autism spectrum disorder, and whether you can be diagnosed with both. We start by discussing the limitations of current research before investigating the underlying causes of social withdrawal seen in both conditions. We conclude by emphasizing that while they may share observable traits, their origins and implications are fundamentally different.
🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Schizoid & Autism
00:58 Problems with ASD & SzPD research
04:42 Autistic Thinking Defined
05:26 Autistic Fantasy Defined
05:54 Autism Name Origins
06:25 Autistic Contiguous Position Defined
08:22 Similarities b/w Autism & Schizoid
10:54 Genetics & Etiological Differences
11:40 Schizophrenia’s Genetics
12:37 Autism Genetics
14:50 Can Schizoid and Autism Co-Occur?
17:58 Development of ASD vs SzPD
18:46 Imagination in Schizoid vs ASD
19:08 Late Diagnosing of ASD + Cultural Trends
21:24 Viewer Question: Phantasy of the Schizoid
25:18 Mirror Neurons in ASD vs SzPD
28:05 Our Thoughts About Dual ASD & SzPD Diagnoses
36:05 Summary & Conclusion
--------
37:45
--------
37:45
Ep 35: A Deeper Look At Schizoid Personality | Psychodynamic Perspective
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) use a fresh psychodynamic perspective to look at the misunderstood, quiet, awkward, and socially backwards schizoid. We explore the misunderstandings and stigmas surrounding schizoids, their emotional depth, and the historical perspectives that have shaped our understanding of this personality type. Our conversation highlights the internal struggles of schizoids, their coping mechanisms, and the rich inner lives they lead, often hidden from the outside world. We also take a look at the superpower of the schizoid and how they spot others’ disingenuousness. We emphasize the unique internal experiences of schizoids and the need for a compassionate approach in relationships and in clinical practice.
🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Schizoid Personality
01:42 What do Schizoids Look Like?
03:30 Stigmatization of Schizoids
05:05 Historical Names & Schizoids’ Discovery
06:18 Kahlbaum’s Heboid Personality
06:47 Hoch’s Shut In Personality
07:05 Kraeplin’s Mildly Defective Personality
07:26 Bleuler’s Schizoidie Personality
08:07 Jung’s Introverted Personality
09:12 Menninger & Schizoid’s False Shell / Exterior
09:52 Winnicott & Schizoid's False Self
10:35 Guntrip on Depression & Anhedonia in Schizoids
12:26 Schizoids as Therapists
13:40 Akhtar’s Overt & Covert Personality Features
15:08 Nancy McWilliams’ Psychodynamic Schizoid
15:43 Attachment’s Influence on Schizoid
16:25 Schizoid’s Core Fears
18:32 Schizoid and Histrionic Connection
19:40 Schizoid’s Defense Mechanisms
23:03 Sense of Self & Castle Metaphor
24:08 Schizoid vs Obsessive Compulsive Personalities
24:38 The Colorful Inner World of Schizoids
27:40 Schizoids’ Superpower
30:30 Summary and Conclusion
--------
32:51
--------
32:51
Ep 34: The Most Misunderstood Personality | Schizoid in the DSM
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive into one of the most misunderstood personalities: the quiet, awkward, and socially backwards schizoid. We take a critical look at the DSM’s definition of this personality; the developmental pathways leading to schizoid traits; and the unique and complex inner world of schizoids. Using a turtle metaphor, we explore how schizoids resort to fantasy and withdraw inside their shell, escaping from the overwhelming social world. We also explore how schizoid types are often mislabeled as having autism and briefly discuss their differences. We conclude by discussing reasons for the schizoid’s withdrawal, highlighting that our global misunderstanding of this type drives them further away from relationships and from psychological help.
🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Schizoid Personality
03:45 Attachment Trauma in Schizoids
05:50 Schizoids are Like Turtles
07:18 Problems with the DSM-5 Schizoid
08:41 Psychodynamic Schizoid: A Conflict-Based Approach
10:33 Schizoid vs Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
15:57 DSM Criteria for Schizoid Personality Disorder
19:41 The Challenges of Goal Setting
20:48 Decreased Sexual Desire
22:04 Sherlock Holmes: The Quintessential Schizoid
23:20 Anhedonia vs Depression in Schizoids
25:02 Difficulty Forming / Indifference to Relationships
30:33 Emotional Coldness and Detachment
33:53 Anger & Joy in Schizoids
37:36 Not Psychosis or Autism
38:36 Summary & Closing
--------
40:20
--------
40:20
Ep 33: The Dirty Truth About Telehealth Therapy & The Rise of Venture Capital
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, I (licensed clinical psychologist, Doc Bok) take a different approach and lean into the clinical practice part of this podcast. I spill the tea on significant changes in the healthcare landscape, particularly focusing on the rise of telehealth and the influence of venture capital-backed mega telehealth companies. I highlight the conflicts of interest with wealthy investors, ethical and privacy concerns, and market consolidation that threaten the integrity of mental health care and private practice as we know it. This episode emphasizes the importance of patient and clinician awareness, and I provide actionable steps to navigate the evolving healthcare environment.
📝Let me know your feedback on this "tea spilling episode!" https://www.personalitycouch.com/#contact
👩💼Are you a clinician stuck on the business side of private practice? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! https://www.questpsych.org/
Chapters
00:00 Healthcare Changes Post Pandemic
03:24 What is a Venture Capital Company?
04:13 How Venture Capital Telehealth is Different From Private Practice
05:29 Meet the Telehealth Companies’ Investors
08:02 Conflicts of Interest for Investors
09:52 Privacy Concerns
12:19 Ethical Concerns
14:28 Market Consolidation
19:02 Vertical Integration
20:09 Therapists’ Stories & Lawsuits
23:12 What Can Patients Do?
24:08 What Can Clinicians Do?
--------
28:00
--------
28:00
Ep 32: When Paranoid Personalities Kill | Analyzing 3 Infamous Mass Murderers
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive deep into the dark end of the paranoid personality spectrum, focusing on three notorious cases of mass murder: Jeffrey Weise (school shooter), Richard Farley (jilted lover), and Timothy McVeigh (Oklahoma City bomber). We explore the psychological underpinnings of each of these severe paranoid personalities, the impact of childhood trauma, and how their psyches came unglued. We firstly look at the case of Weise, a 16-year-old school shooter who experienced significant childhood trauma and rejection at the hands of his family. We then turn to look at Farley, an incredibly dangerous example of how erotomania, or extreme unrequited love, can turn into your worst nightmare. Lastly, we take a close look at the infamous Timothy McVeigh, a domestic terrorist obsessed with fantasy, fiction, and comics about revenge. Separating from the Army, but desperate to be a hero, he found an enemy in the very US Government that he used to defend. Our discussion emphasizes that while not all paranoid personalities are violent (most aren’t), paranoid personalities in forensic settings can quickly unravel, making them among the most likely to commit mass murder.
Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website to contact us! https://www.questpsych.org/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Paranoid Personalities and Violence
02:07 Childhood Trauma’s Impact
05:00 Case Study: Jeffrey Weise - The Traumatized Killer
05:37 Weise’s background
07:52 The Day of the Shooting
10:18 Motivations
11:11 Analysis & Discussion
14:00 Case Study: Richard Farley - The Rejected Lover
14:50 Farley’s obsession with Laura Black
17:45 The Day of the Shooting
21:50 Farley’s Motivations
23:30 Analysis & Discussion
24:46 Masochistic Infatuation Defined
25:18 Erotomania Explained
27:22 Case Study: Timothy McVeigh: The Oklahoma City Bomber
27:44 Background
33:07 Leading up to the Bombing
36:48 Motivations
38:30 Analysis & Discussion
40:19 Summary & Conclusions
We all encounter personality conflict on a regular basis, whether we know it or not. From funky, can’t-quite-put-my-finger-on-it dynamics with that one friend or family member, to the big blowup drama at work with the last person you’d expect, it all comes down to personality.
Join clinical psychologists, Dr. Rebecca Houvener, Psy.D, (“Doc Bok”) and Dr. Cheyenne Fisher, Psy.D., (“Doc Fish”) biweekly as they unpack the most complex topics like personality disorders and psychopathic behavior, while also making room for lighthearted discussions about personality typologies and humorous anecdotes from private practice. Whether you’re fascinated by personality darkness, a concerned friend or loved one, an “armchair psychologist,” or a licensed professional convinced there is something more going on with patients…. This show is for you.
Ireland