Neither introvert nor extrovert? Psychiatrist coins the term 'otrovert', detached from groups but...

Some have compared otroverts with ambiverts, but the two terms describe different orientations.

For decades, psychology has largely classified people as either introverts or extroverts, depending on where they draw their energy and how they engage socially. But some individuals often find themselves not fitting neatly into either category. To capture this in-between space, psychiatrist Dr Rami Kaminski has introduced a new term: the otrovert.

Dr Kaminski, who described the concept in New Scientist and is set to expand on it in his forthcoming book The Gift of Not Belonging: How Outsiders Thrive in a World of Joiners, defined an otrovert as “a person who feels no sense of belonging to any group.” He noted that the term initially emerged as light-hearted banter among colleagues but gradually developed into a serious hypothesis after years of observing patients and reflecting on his own experiences.

Traits of an otrovert

According to Dr Kaminski, otroverts sit in the grey area between introversion and extraversion. They may attend social gatherings but limit interactions to a small circle. They tend to form authentic bonds with a select few rather than engage widely, and they often approach life as independent thinkers. Creativity, resilience, and self-reliance are common features among those who identify with the term.

Clinical psychologist and trauma therapist Rupa Chaubal acknowledged that while the idea is gaining traction, it is not yet widely accepted. “It is not really a widely accepted term right now, and it would be important to see if further research supports its validity and the need to adopt it as a distinct terminology,” she said.

Chaubal also explained why the idea resonates with many. “It seems comfortable to all age groups. Otroverts don’t show any signs of FOMO (fear of missing out),” she added.

Dr Paramjeet Singh, consultant psychiatrist at PSRI Hospital, outlined some defining characteristics:

They are emotionally self-sufficient and prefer individual connections over group belonging.
They are not anti-social; they enjoy the presence of others but often prefer to observe rather than actively participate in group discussions.
They neither gain energy from large groups like extroverts nor conserve it in solitude like introverts. Instead, they maintain detachment from group dynamics while building meaningful one-to-one relationships.

The idea of the otrovert has already begun to influence conversations on social media. Actor Lisa Ray wrote on Instagram that she identifies with the personality type. Dr Kaminski also suggested that several notable historical figures—including Frida Kahlo, Franz Kafka, Albert Einstein, and Virginia Woolf—could be considered examples of otroverts.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lisa Ray (@lisaraniray)

Some have compared otroverts with ambiverts, but the two terms describe different orientations. Ambiverts combine traits of introverts and extroverts, shifting behaviour depending on the situation. In contrast, otroverts often feel detached from group settings, preferring solitude or the company of a chosen few.