What is the Difference Between Avoidant Personality Disorder and Schizoid Personality Disorder?

This video describes differences between Avoidant Personality Disorder and Schizoid Personality Disorder. These personality disorder are in different clusters in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM; Avoidant: Cluster C; Schizoid:Cluster A). Schizoid Personality Disorder is characterized by detachment, being a “loner,” no interest in forming relationships, a deficit in social skills, taking jobs that isolate them from others, no close friends, decreased interest in pleasurable activities, indifference to praise or criticism, cold or flat affect. Clinically significant distress is not required for a diagnosis of Schizoid Personality as stated in the DSM. Avoidant Personality Disorder is characterized by fear of social situations, social inhibition, panic attacks, isolation, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, and feelings of inferiority. Individuals with Avoidant Personality Disorder usually want to form close friendships, whereas and individual with Schizoid Personality Disorder is usually not interest in relationships. In terms of the Five-Factor Model of personality, Avoidant Personality Disorder is associated with low extraversion and high neuroticism and Schizoid Personality Disorder is is associated with low extraversion and low neuroticism.