ABSTRACT
John, a 35-year-old steel worker, was suspicious of everyone. His negative introject told him that people were exploiting him and deceiving him at all times. He had no proof of actual harm that others were doing to him, but he felt certain that he was being abused in this way. John argued with co-workers and forced them into compromising positions, making them admit that they were wrong about trivial matters. In schizoid personality disorder, the negative introject of the patients tells them to keep away from other people who only cause problems and that they would be better off just minding their own business. Sometimes it is hard to differentiate people with schizoid personality disorder from those with mild autism spectrum disorder. Treatment for avoidant personality disorder may consist of individual or group therapy. In individual psychotherapy, the therapist must develop a solid alliance with the patient, maintaining an accepting attitude.
