Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Schizotypal personality disorder is a personality disorder which is characterized by odd behaviors, beliefs, thoughts, and difficulties in social situations. People with personality disorders are not aware that their thoughts and behaviors are inappropriate.

Causes of Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Still, it is not clear what causes personality disorders, but it is more a combination of genetic factors and a person's environment.

Risk factors related with Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Schizotypal personality disorder is more common in men. People who have relatives with schizophrenia may have an increased chance of developing schizotypal personality disorder.

Diagnosis of Schizotypal Personality Disorder

You will likely be referred to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional who will ask you about your symptoms and mental and medical health history.

A diagnosis will be done after a total psychiatric checkup that rules out different disorders, like schizophrenia, dissociative disorders, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, or many personality disorders.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent schizotypal personality disorder.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Schizotypal personality may cause:

• Detachment from social relationships and difficulty forming relationships
• Limited range of emotional expression
• Odd or eccentric speech, dress, and grooming
• Unusual style of communication
• Illusions and alterations in perception
• 'Magical' thinking
• Peculiar, outlandish, or paranoid ideas or beliefs
• Social anxiety
• Talking to self

Treatment

Treatment for Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Options include:

• Counseling - Counseling is often beneficial for people with schizotypal personality disorder. Counseling sessions focus on helping you gain insight into your personality disorder and changing your behavior.
• Medications - Currently there is no medication available specifically for this condition. However, in some cases antipsychotic medications may be used to help treat distorted thinking.
• Other Treatments - Different treatments will be beneficial, like group therapy and social skills training will help you to manage symptoms.