Ep 39: Schizoid vs Avoidant Personality | What's the Difference?
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) compare and contrast avoidant and schizoid personalities. While schizoid and avoidant personality disorders have overlapping traits but distinct characteristics, personality psychologists have argued about it for decades. In this episode, we explore the definitions of each disorder and ongoing debates surrounding if these disorders are the same thing or not. We end by sharing our thoughts about whether schizoid personality and avoidant personality are the same or different, while giving a critical opinion about the DSM’s limiting definitions of both.
🆘Are you a clinician stuck on a case? To schedule a consultation, please visit the practice website! 👉https://www.questpsych.org/
Chapters
00:00 Intro & Schizoid and Avoidant Definitions
02:29 Historical Context of Avoidant Personality Disorder
04:31 Kretschmer's Theory & Anesthesia vs Hyperasthesia
08:17 The Argument for Splitting or Merging Disorders
10:51 Overlapping Symptoms of Avoidant and Schizoid
11:49 Differences in Schizoid and Avoidant Personalities
20:19 Our Opinions and Discussion
35:21 Summary & Conclusion
--------
37:53
--------
37:53
Ep 38: Unpacking Schizoid Subtypes | A Critical Look
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) take a critical look at the subtypes of schizoid personality, critiquing existing definitions and theories, particularly the 6 subtypes of Dr. Theodore Millon. We explore his mild, moderate, and severe subtypes: the Reserved Apathetic, Introspectively Apathetic, Remotely Asocial, Languidly Asocial, Depersonalized Schizoid, and Affectless Schizoid. We propose our own 5 subtypes and invite our schizoid listeners and viewers to share which type they identify with the most!
🆘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 & Schizoid Personality Recap
02:21 Historical Subtypes - Brief Review
03:09 Akhtar’s Covert & Overt Schizoid
05:08 Understanding Millon’s Personality Theory
07:51 Millon’s Mild Subtype: The Reserved Apathetic
10:32 Millon’s Mild Subtype: The Introspectively Apathetic
12:15 Millon’s Moderate Subtype: The Remotely Asocial
14:34 Millon’s Moderate Subtype: The Languidly Asocial
16:52 Millon’s Severe Subtype: The Depersonalized Schizoid
19:16 Millon’s Severe Subtype: The Affectless Schizoid
22:04 Doc Bok & Fish Subtype: The Master Masker
25:19 Doc Bok & Fish Subtype: The Quietly Antisocial
27:38 Doc Bok & Fish Subtype: The Depressive Schizoid
30:08 Doc Bok & Fish Subtype: The Slothy Schizoid
32:03 Doc Bok & Fish Subtype: The Scattered Professor
34:25 Conclusion and Listener Engagement
--------
36:56
--------
36:56
Ep 37: Answering Viewer Questions About Schizoid Personality
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) answer your most-asked questions about schizoid personality. We address misconceptions about schizoid and settle its pronunciation debate (is it skii-zoid or skitz-oid?). We also explore the significant role (or not) of maternal relationships in schizoid’s development. Relatedly, we take a critical look at emotional expression, where we discuss the impact of gender expectations, and the nuanced understanding of fear of intrusion. We further explore power dynamics at play in schizoid behavior, their expression of anger, and how this personality navigates our highly social world.
🆘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
00:50 Pronunciation of Schizoid
04:19 How The Hosts Know About Schizoid
09:54 The Role of Masking in Schizoid Personalities
13:16 Gender Differences in Schizoid Expression
14:46 Does Mom Really Matter?
16:52 Alternative Pathways to Schizoid Development
24:04 Power Dynamics, Fear, & Control in Schizoid Behavior
30:00 Anger & Emotional Expression in Schizoids
34:02 Schizoid & The Big 5 Personality (OCEAN)
35:18 Schizoids & Raisins
37:05 Conclusion & Final Thoughts
--------
38:13
--------
38:13
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
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