abstract tasks, such as computer or mathemat ical games. They may have very little interest
in having sexual experiences with another person (Criterion A3) and take pleasure in few,
if any, activities (Criterion A4). There is usually a reduced experience of pleasure from sen-
sory, bodily, or interpersonal ex periences, such as walking on a beach at sunset or having
sex. These individuals have no  close friends or confidants, except possibly a first-degree
relative (Criterion A5).
Individuals with schizoid personality disord er often seem indifferent to the approval
or criticism of others and do not appear to be bothered by what others may think of them
(Criterion A6). They may be oblivious to the no rmal subtleties of social interaction and of-
ten do not respond appropriately to social cues so that they seem socially inept or super-
ficial and self-absorbed. They usually displa y a “bland” exterior without visible emotional
reactivity and rarely reciprocate gestures or facial expressions, such as smiles or nods (Cri-
terion A7). They claim that they rarely expe rience strong emotions such as anger and joy.
They often display a constricted affect and ap pear cold and aloof. However, in those very
unusual circumstances in which these indivi duals become at least temporarily comfort-
able in revealing themselves, they may ackn owledge having painful feelings, particularly
related to social interactions.
Schizoid personality disorder should not be diagnosed if th e pattern of behavior occurs
exclusively during the course of schizophrenia , a bipolar or depressive disorder with psy-
chotic features, another psychotic disorder, or au tism spectrum disorder, or if it is attrib-
utable to the physiological effects of a neurological (e.g., temporal lobe epilepsy) or another
medical condition (Criterion B).