Overview

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 turn inward in social situations, as the person with schizotypal personality disorder responds inappropriately to social cues and holds peculiar beliefs.

Schizotypal personality disorder typically is diagnosed in early adulthood and is likely to endure, though treatment, such as medications and therapy, can improve symptoms.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

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
• Incorrect interpretation of events, such as a feeling that something which is actually harmless or inoffensive has a direct personal meaning
• Peculiar, eccentric or unusual thinking, beliefs or mannerisms
• Dressing in peculiar ways, such as appearing unkempt or wearing oddly matched clothes
• Belief in special powers, such as mental telepathy or superstitions
• Unusual perceptions, such as sensing an absent person's presence or having illusions
• Persistent and excessive social anxiety
• Peculiar style of speech, such as vague or unusual patterns of speaking, or rambling oddly during conversations
• Suspicious or paranoid thoughts and constant doubts about the loyalty of others
• Flat emotions or limited or inappropriate emotional responses

Signs 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, and as a result is often bullied or teased.

Schizotypal personality disorder vs. schizophrenia

Schizotypal personality disorder can easily be confused with schizophrenia, a severe mental illness in which people lose contact with reality (psychosis). While people with schizotypal personality disorder may experience brief psychotic episodes with delusions or hallucinations, the episodes are not as frequent, prolonged or intense as in schizophrenia.

Another key distinction is that people with schizotypal personality disorder usually can be made aware of the difference between their distorted ideas and reality. Those with schizophrenia generally can't be swayed away from their delusions.

Despite the differences, people with schizotypal personality disorder can benefit from treatments similar to those used for schizophrenia. Schizotypal personality disorder is sometimes considered to be on a spectrum with schizophrenia, with schizotypal personality disorder viewed as less severe.

When to see a doctor

People with schizotypal personality disorder are likely to seek help only at the urging of friends or relatives. If you suspect a friend or family member may have the disorder, you might gently suggest that the person seek medical attention, starting with a primary care physician or mental health provider.

If you need immediate help

If you're concerned that you might harm yourself or someone else, go to an emergency room or call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Or call a suicide hotline number. In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Causes

Personality is the combination of thoughts, emotions and behaviors that makes you unique. It's the way you view, understand and relate to the outside world, as well as how you see yourself. Personality forms during childhood, shaped through an interaction of inherited tendencies and environmental factors.

In normal development, children learn over time to accurately interpret social cues and respond appropriately. What exactly goes wrong for a person with schizotypal personality disorder isn't known for certain, but it's likely that changes in the way the brain functions and genetics may play a role.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Diagnosis

People with schizotypal personality disorder may seek help from their primary care provider because of other symptoms such as anxiety, depression or angry outbursts or for treatment of substance abuse.

After a physical exam to help rule out other medical conditions, your primary care provider may refer you to a mental health provider for further evaluation.

Diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder typically is based on:

• 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

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Complications

People with schizotypal personality disorder are at an increased risk of:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Work, school, relationship and social problems
• Other personality disorders
• Problems with alcohol or drugs
• Suicide attempts
• Temporary psychotic episodes, usually in response to stress
• Schizophrenia

Coping and support

Symptoms of conditions such as schizotypal personality disorder 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 reduce the symptoms of this disorder include:

• Positive relationships with friends and family
• A sense of achievement at school, work and in extracurricular activities

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Risk factors

Your risk of schizotypal personality disorder may be greater if you have a relative who has schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com