SCHIZOTYPAL PERSONALITY
DISORDER
People with schizotypal personality disorder are often described as odd or eccentric and usually have few, if any, close relationships. They generally don't understand how relationships form or the impact of their behavior on others.
They may also misinterpret others' motivations and behaviors and develop significant distrust of others.
These problems may lead to severe anxiety and a tendency to avoid social situations, as the person with schizotypal personality disorder tends to hold peculiar beliefs and may have difficulty with responding appropriately to social cues.
Schizotypal personality disorder typically is diagnosed in early adulthood and is likely to endure across the lifespan, though treatment, such as medications and therapy, can improve symptoms.
SYMPTOMS
Schizotypal personality disorder typically includes five or more of these signs and symptoms:
- Being a loner and lacking close friends outside of the immediate family
- Flat emotions or limited or inappropriate emotional responses
- Persistent and excessive social anxiety
- Incorrect interpretation of events, such as a feeling that something that is actually harmless or inoffensive has a direct personal meaning
- Peculiar, eccentric or unusual thinking, beliefs or mannerisms
- Suspicious or paranoid thoughts and constant doubts about the loyalty of others
- Belief in special powers, such as mental telepathy or superstitions
- Unusual perceptions, such as sensing an absent person's presence or having illusions
- Dressing in peculiar ways, such as appearing unkempt or wearing oddly matched clothes
- Peculiar style of speech, such as vague or unusual patterns of speaking, or rambling oddly during conversations
Signs and symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder, such as increased interest in solitary activities or a high level of social anxiety, may be seen in the teen years. The child may be an underperformer in school or appear socially out of step with peers, which may result in teasing or bullying.
Diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder typically is based on:
TREATMENT
Treatment for schizotypal personality disorder often includes a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Many people can be helped by work and social activities that are a fit for their personality styles.
PsychotherapyPsychotherapy may help people with schizotypal personality disorder begin to trust others and
learn coping skills by building a trusting relationship with a therapist.
Psychotherapy may include:
There are no medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration specifically
for the treatment of schizotypal personality disorder. However, doctors may prescribe
meds to help relieveor reduce certain symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Though schizotypal personality disorder is lifelong,
some symptoms may improve over time through experiences that help foster — among other positive traits --
self-confidence, a belief in one's ability to overcome difficulty and a sense of social support
Factors that appear most likely to help reduce some symptoms of this disorder include:
You're likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor.
However, when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred to a mental health professional
such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Take a family member or friend along, if possible.
With your permission, someone who has known you for a long time may be able to answer questions or share
information with the mental health professional that you don't think to bring up.
Questions you want to ask your doctor to make the most of your appointment:
Some basic questions to ask include:
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:
Your doctor or mental health professional will ask additional questions based on your responses, symptoms and needs.
Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your appointment time.
- Thorough interview about your symptoms
- Your personal and medical history
- Symptoms listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association
TREATMENT
Treatment for schizotypal personality disorder often includes a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Many people can be helped by work and social activities that are a fit for their personality styles.
PsychotherapyPsychotherapy may help people with schizotypal personality disorder begin to trust others and
learn coping skills by building a trusting relationship with a therapist.
Psychotherapy may include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy — Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, learning specific social skills, and modifying problem behaviors
- Supportive therapy — Offering encouragement and fostering adaptive skills
- Family therapy — Involving family members, which may help improve communication,
There are no medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration specifically
for the treatment of schizotypal personality disorder. However, doctors may prescribe
meds to help relieveor reduce certain symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Though schizotypal personality disorder is lifelong,
some symptoms may improve over time through experiences that help foster — among other positive traits --
self-confidence, a belief in one's ability to overcome difficulty and a sense of social support
Factors that appear most likely to help reduce some symptoms of this disorder include:
- Positive relationships with friends and family
- Healthy daily rhythms, including having a schedule, a good sleep routine, exercise and consistency
- A sense of achievement at school, at work and in extracurricular activities
You're likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor.
However, when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred to a mental health professional
such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Take a family member or friend along, if possible.
With your permission, someone who has known you for a long time may be able to answer questions or share
information with the mental health professional that you don't think to bring up.
Questions you want to ask your doctor to make the most of your appointment:
Some basic questions to ask include:
- What is likely causing my symptoms?
- What are other possible causes for my symptoms?
- What treatments are most likely to be effective for me?
- How much can I expect my symptoms to improve with treatment?
- How often will I need psychotherapy, and for how long?
- Are there medications that can help?
- Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
- If you're recommending medications, what are the possible side effects?
- I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
- Are there any brochures or other printed material I can take? What websites do you recommend?
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:
- What are your symptoms?
- When did you or your family first notice these symptoms?
- How are your symptoms affecting your life?
- Have your family members or friends expressed concern about your behavior?
- Do you feel comfortable in social situations? Why or why not?
- Do you have any close relationships?
- If you're not satisfied with work, school or relationships, what do you think is causing your problems?
- Have you ever thought about harming yourself or others? Have you ever actually done so?
- Have you ever felt that other people can control your thoughts or that you could influence other people and events through your thoughts?
- Have any of your close relatives been diagnosed with or treated for mental illness?
Your doctor or mental health professional will ask additional questions based on your responses, symptoms and needs.
Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your appointment time.
