This particular personality disorder, although quite rare, is the underlying cause of isolation for many of society’s “loners” or “hermits.” People with this disorder lack an interest in society and social relationships. They are not just simply lonely and without kin, people with schizoid personality disorder prefer to be left alone and often push away family and friends in order to do so.

This personality disorder is characterized by at least three of the following symptoms:

• Emotional detachment with no feelings either way about emotional issues.
• Inability to express emotions towards others.
• Desire for solitary activities.
• Few or no friends and the lack of desire for them.
• Uncaring attitude toward praise and criticism.
• Absence of pleasure derived from any activity.
• Uncaring attitude toward social norms.
• Wrapped up in fantasy.
• No desire for sexual encounters with another person.

Even though schizoid personality disorder can result in a person living a solitary life, there is debate whether or not this actually does any harm to the person with this particular personality disorder. The real harm may actually be felt by the family who is unable to reach the sufferer. And since people with schizoid personality disorder do not seek out treatment, it may be a while before solid conclusions are made about this rare personality disorder.