difference between schizoid and Asperger

[idealists]

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Have a family member who developed Schizophrenia (that's when he was diagnosed with Asperger too, and OCD). I wonder if he is schizoid, as I have another sibling with similar personality. I know your views are not medical opinions but I'd appreciate help with psychoanalytical, behavioral, or whatever explanations that can help me distinguish the two. Schizophrenia is so vague as a diagnosis, I'm trying to understand his condition better and learn the dynamics in his mind and the ones that contributed to his illness. I'm also trying to distinguish what is his personality and what is the illness, and what the antipsychotic effect.

I've looked on Amazon and google scholar but there are so few articles on schizoid personality, let alone comparing the two diagnoses.

I'd appreciate your help.

 

[Speculatrix]

Have a family member who developed Schizophrenia (that's when he was diagnosed with Asperger too, and OCD). I wonder if he is schizoid, as I have another sibling with similar personality. I know your views are not medical opinions but I'd appreciate help with psychoanalytical, behavioral, or whatever explanations that can help me distinguish the two. Schizophrenia is so vague as a diagnosis, I'm trying to understand his condition better and learn the dynamics in his mind and the ones that contributed to his illness. I'm also trying to distinguish what is his personality and what is the illness, and what the antipsychotic effect.

I've looked on Amazon and google scholar but there are so few articles on schizoid personality, let alone comparing the two diagnoses.

I'd appreciate your help.

Schizophrenia is not a vague diagnosis, although it can have many different manifestations. It is a thought disorder with fractured perception of the world. There are biological correlates (i.e. the dopamine hypothesis) and we can reproduce the symptoms in a predictable manner (e.g. amphetamine psychosis, overdose of antiparkinsonian medications [Parkinson's is the "opposite" of schizophrenia in a very simplistic way, though different pathways are affected]). Treat biologically since we have biological correlates.

Personality disorders are diagnosed after 18, and are generally ego-syntonic (the schizoid is the classic loner with the cold affect who's okay with it, and CAN communicate/empathize with people if necessary), and Asperger's appears usually in youth and is a developmental disorder. OCD is generally ego-dystonic in contrast to OCPD (the anal retentives) and is generally thought to be a manifestation of anxiety.

If I were you, I would look into the development of personality disorders in general, and then look into pervasive developmental disorders. To me, one seems anabolic and the other seems catabolic, but others may disagree.

I think you are spending too much time obsessing over correct diagnoses, it may not really help you out.

 

[idealists]

thank you for your reply. I don't understand your anabolic/catabolic reference though.

 

[Speculatrix]

thank you for your reply. I don't understand your anabolic/catabolic reference though.

You develop a personality disorder (build it up?), and PDD such as Asperger's seem like a breakdown (or stasis) in development... although Asperger's isn't as "disintegrative" as Rett's or CDD. That is my armchair interpretation / way I can contrast PD vs PDD, based on my experiences in peds and child psych, and is not necessarily based off any published theories. Of course, there is a theory that BPD is personality stasis in Freud's anal stage, so maybe that throws a wrench into my theory...

Anyway, although it seems like you have a background in psychology, I would advise you to read an introductory textbook of psychiatry, as you are missing many basic first principles.

 

[idealists]

Thank you for the prompt reply. I do have a bachelor's degree in psych, started going to grad school but dropped out due to family issues (borderline mother, brother with schizophrenia (and possibly asperger, OCD), and another with Asperger and OCD...youngest sibling, my sister, seems okay thus far). Father is narcissistic but if anything, has been the reason he's been so successful in his business...he's been carrying this family.

I myself am just anxious and depressed, hoping to get back on my feet after several years of doing nothing but grieving our situation and a car accident I had recently.

Anyhow, what book would you recommend?

 

[Mortal_Lessons]

I'm a third year medical student and recommend Introductory Textbook of Psychiatry 4th edition (link: http://www.amazon.com/Introductory-...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1273712580&sr=8-1). This book is not as comprehensive as the DSM IV-TR which includes all psychiatric diagnoses, but it does have the ones you are attempting to understand and is a good introduction to some of the vocabulary used in psychiatry. When I think of schizoid personality disorder, I think of a lighthouse keeper who is content being alone doing his business. Asperger's is not a personality disorder but a syndrome-think of a goofy kid who is socially awkward and has narrow interests in esoteric things. They might have a monotonous voice, in addition to being pedantic and intrusive in conversation.

Thank you for the prompt reply. I do have a bachelor's degree in psych, started going to grad school but dropped out due to family issues (borderline mother, brother with schizophrenia (and possibly asperger, OCD), and another with Asperger and OCD...youngest sibling, my sister, seems okay thus far). Father is narcissistic but if anything, has been the reason he's been so successful in his business...he's been carrying this family.

I myself am just anxious and depressed, hoping to get back on my feet after several years of doing nothing but grieving our situation and a car accident I had recently.

Anyhow, what book would you recommend?

 

[idealists]

Thanks a lot Mortal, I'll check it out.

p.s. I hadn't heard of the intrusiveness. That's interesting.

 

[idealists]

You develop a personality disorder (build it up?), and PDD such as Asperger's seem like a breakdown (or stasis) in development... although Asperger's isn't as "disintegrative" as Rett's or CDD. That is my armchair interpretation / way I can contrast PD vs PDD, based on my experiences in peds and child psych, and is not necessarily based off any published theories. Of course, there is a theory that BPD is personality stasis in Freud's anal stage, so maybe that throws a wrench into my theory...

that would make sense with my borderline mother being stuck at a developmental stage as well. Father also has Asperger.

 

[GoSpursGo]

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