Do "proper" mystics have Schizoid personality "disorder"?

[Wannabe Yogi]

Where I disagree with mystical people is in that mental disorders are extremes of "normal" being trapped in mind patterns or whatever, some of it is totally chemical and you need to take medication, no amount of praying/meditation/crystals/whatever is going to make you better.

I have spent time with more then a few people that I consider real mystics. I have never heard one say don't take medication if you are sick mentally or physically. Now they may send you to an acupuncturist or something like that. I have never heard any them tell people just to pray harder. In fact I have even heard them say stay a way from meditation and go see a doctor! For people who have thought disorders. If a person has trouble with psychotic delusions spiritual practice can be damaging. If your ego is not in-tacked and you try to surrender it or dissolve your sense of self, it can make matters much worse. How many schizophrenic's have God delusions.

In my experience (there are studies that back my opinion up) For many types neurosis or depression a daily routine of exercise tends to work better for many patients then any type of medication. If you can exercise, this is the place most people should start after they see a doctor.

 

[no-body]

I have spent time with more then a few people that I consider real mystics. I have never heard one say don't take medication if you are sick mentally or physically. Now they may send you to an acupuncturist or something like that. I have never heard any them tell people just to pray harder. In fact I have even heard them say stay a way from meditation and go see a doctor! For people who have thought disorders. If a person has trouble with psychotic delusions spiritual practice can be damaging. If your ego is not in-tacked and you try to surrender it or dissolve your sense of self, it can make matters much worse. How many schizophrenic's have God delusions.

In my experience (there are studies that back my opinion up) For many types neurosis or depression a daily routine of exercise tends to work better for many patients then any type of medication. If you can exercise, this is the place most people should start after they see a doctor.

I can't disagree with any of that. It's good to know that people are urged to get help if they need it. I probably shouldn't have said mystics and meant more like new agers and the alternative medicine scene.

 

[Wannabe Yogi]

It's good to know that people are urged to get help if they need it.

I agree 100%

 

[Hermit Philosopher]

Here is a definition of Schizoid personality disorder, according to the DSM-IV (the manual for diagnosing psychological disorders):


A. A pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of expression of emotions in interpersonal settings, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four (or more) of the following:

1. neither desires nor enjoys close relationships, including being part of a family
2. almost always chooses solitary activities
3. has little, if any, interest in having sexual experiences with another person
4. takes pleasure in few, if any, activities
5. lacks close friends or confidants other than first-degree relatives
6. appears indifferent to the praise or criticism of others
7. shows emotional coldness, detachment, or flattened affectivity

In many of the mystic traditions, many of these personality traits are considered ideals, rather than disorders.

1. Do you think the Schizoid personality is a disorder?

2. Do you think such personality traits are a part of many mystical paths? (considered helpful or ideals for "enlightenment" [whatever that may be]?)

Dear Pariah;966303,
In answer to your two questions:

1. Yes, schizoid personality is a disorder.
But no diagnosis is based on symptoms alone. All follow important period of inquiry, in which careful assessment of psychological background takes place.

2. No, such personality traits need not be present in mystical/contemplative experience.
Though subjects with schizoid personality disorder as described in quote, may well sometimes be drawn to, or indeed perhaps choose to embark on a spiritual path, spiritual reasons for a life of solitude and passivity are very different from psychological patterns behind such diagnosis. Therefore, there is no reason to assume religious contemplatives suffer from personality disorders.

Unless mistaken, you also ask whether "being schizoid" is ideal or helpful in respect to spiritual enlightenment.
As contemplation is most commonly preceded by the general attention towards/curiosity for life, much “soul-searching” and a great portion of acquired self-awareness, I personally would think not.
However, so long as the disorder permits an inquisitive trait, it ought perhaps not unquestionably to hinder the possibility of future mystical experiences either.

 

[.lava]

Here is a definition of Schizoid personality disorder, according to the DSM-IV (the manual for diagnosing psychological disorders):

The DSM-IV-TR, a widely used manual for diagnosing mental disorders, defines schizoid personality disorder as:

A. A pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of expression of emotions in interpersonal settings, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four (or more) of the following:

1. neither desires nor enjoys close relationships, including being part of a family
2. almost always chooses solitary activities
3. has little, if any, interest in having sexual experiences with another person
4. takes pleasure in few, if any, activities
5. lacks close friends or confidants other than first-degree relatives
6. appears indifferent to the praise or criticism of others
7. shows emotional coldness, detachment, or flattened affectivity

In many of the mystic traditions, many of these personality traits are considered ideals, rather than disorders.

and your source is...??

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