1|Page
PYC3712 Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026 (Answer Guide) - PYC3712:
Abnormal Behaviour and Mental Health
VERIFIED AND CERTIFIED ANSWERS. WRITTEN IN REQUIRED FORMAT AND WITHIN
GIVEN GUIDELINES. IT IS GOOD TO USE AS A GUIDE AND FOR REFERENCE, NEVER
PLAGARIZE. Thank you and success in your academics.
UNISA, 2026
Contents
Question 1 (15)...................................................................................................................................... 2
Classification of Simonny’s Abnormal Behaviour According to the DSM-5-TR ............. 2
1. Overview of Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD) .............................................................. 2
2. Application of DSM-5-TR Criteria to Simonny ..................................................................... 2
3. Pervasiveness and Functional Impact ................................................................................... 4
4. Justification for Primary Diagnosis ........................................................................................ 4
5. Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 5
Question 2 (10) ...........................................................................................................................5
Differential Diagnoses ...........................................................................................................5
1. Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD) ............................................................................6
2. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) ....................................................................................6
Conclusion ..............................................................................................................................8
Reference List (APA 7th Edition) .............................................................................................8
, 2|Page
Question 1 (15)
Classification of Simonny’s Abnormal Behaviour According to the DSM-5-TR
Based on the information provided in the case study, Simonny’s behaviour is most
consistent with a diagnosis of Schizoid Personality Disorder as classified in the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision
(DSM-5-TR) (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022).
1. Overview of Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD)
Schizoid Personality Disorder is classified under Cluster A personality disorders, which
are characterised by odd or eccentric behaviour. SPD involves a pervasive pattern of
detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression in
interpersonal settings. This pattern typically begins by early adulthood and is present
across various contexts (APA, 2022).
The DSM-5-TR outlines specific diagnostic criteria that must be met for a diagnosis of
SPD. The individual must display a consistent pattern of social detachment and limited
emotional expression, indicated by at least four of the specified features (APA, 2022).
2. Application of DSM-5-TR Criteria to Simonny
Simonny’s behaviour aligns closely with multiple DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for
Schizoid Personality Disorder:
(a) Neither desires nor enjoys close relationships
Simonny has no interest in forming friendships or intimate relationships. He has never
been in an intimate relationship and expresses no desire to be in one. He speaks only
occasionally to his parents and has no friends. This reflects a clear detachment from
social relationships, which is central to SPD (APA, 2022).
(b) Almost always chooses solitary activities
PYC3712 Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026 (Answer Guide) - PYC3712:
Abnormal Behaviour and Mental Health
VERIFIED AND CERTIFIED ANSWERS. WRITTEN IN REQUIRED FORMAT AND WITHIN
GIVEN GUIDELINES. IT IS GOOD TO USE AS A GUIDE AND FOR REFERENCE, NEVER
PLAGARIZE. Thank you and success in your academics.
UNISA, 2026
Contents
Question 1 (15)...................................................................................................................................... 2
Classification of Simonny’s Abnormal Behaviour According to the DSM-5-TR ............. 2
1. Overview of Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD) .............................................................. 2
2. Application of DSM-5-TR Criteria to Simonny ..................................................................... 2
3. Pervasiveness and Functional Impact ................................................................................... 4
4. Justification for Primary Diagnosis ........................................................................................ 4
5. Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 5
Question 2 (10) ...........................................................................................................................5
Differential Diagnoses ...........................................................................................................5
1. Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD) ............................................................................6
2. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) ....................................................................................6
Conclusion ..............................................................................................................................8
Reference List (APA 7th Edition) .............................................................................................8
, 2|Page
Question 1 (15)
Classification of Simonny’s Abnormal Behaviour According to the DSM-5-TR
Based on the information provided in the case study, Simonny’s behaviour is most
consistent with a diagnosis of Schizoid Personality Disorder as classified in the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision
(DSM-5-TR) (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022).
1. Overview of Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD)
Schizoid Personality Disorder is classified under Cluster A personality disorders, which
are characterised by odd or eccentric behaviour. SPD involves a pervasive pattern of
detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression in
interpersonal settings. This pattern typically begins by early adulthood and is present
across various contexts (APA, 2022).
The DSM-5-TR outlines specific diagnostic criteria that must be met for a diagnosis of
SPD. The individual must display a consistent pattern of social detachment and limited
emotional expression, indicated by at least four of the specified features (APA, 2022).
2. Application of DSM-5-TR Criteria to Simonny
Simonny’s behaviour aligns closely with multiple DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for
Schizoid Personality Disorder:
(a) Neither desires nor enjoys close relationships
Simonny has no interest in forming friendships or intimate relationships. He has never
been in an intimate relationship and expresses no desire to be in one. He speaks only
occasionally to his parents and has no friends. This reflects a clear detachment from
social relationships, which is central to SPD (APA, 2022).
(b) Almost always chooses solitary activities
