A client diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder is most likely to be described by family members as which of the following?

• A. Impulsive and frequently violating social norms
• B. Suspicious and prone to paranoid thoughts
• C. Highly dramatic and attention-seeking
• D. Emotionally detached and preferring solitary activities

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core characteristics of schizoid personality disorder (SPD). SPD is primarily characterized by a pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression in interpersonal settings.
2. Step 2: Review the typical behaviors and traits associated with SPD, such as emotional coldness, detachment, and a preference for solitary activities rather than seeking out social interactions or emotional closeness.
3. Step 3: Compare the given options with the known features of SPD. For example, impulsivity and frequent violation of social norms are more typical of disorders like antisocial personality disorder, not SPD.
4. Step 4: Recognize that suspiciousness and paranoid thoughts are hallmark features of paranoid personality disorder, while highly dramatic and attention-seeking behaviors are characteristic of histrionic personality disorder.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the description 'emotionally detached and preferring solitary activities' aligns best with schizoid personality disorder, as it reflects the core symptoms and typical presentation of the disorder.