Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment

Schizotypal personality disorder does not generally receive as much as attention as many of the other personality disorders, but it is not unlikely that you or someone you love may be suffering from this disorder. This personality disorder, which often becomes apparent during the teen years, is treatable with psychotherapy and medication. Many individuals with this disorder, however, go untreated as they do not believe anything is wrong with them. It is often not until a family member forces them to seek help that they begin to recognize that their beliefs and behaviors are abnormal.

Individuals with schizotypal personality disorder have difficulty forming close relationships and exhibit behavior, mannerisms and thought patterns that are peculiar or odd. These individuals are not disturbed enough to warrant a diagnosis of schizophrenia, although the two disorders may be related. Biological relatives of individuals with schizotypal personality disorder are more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia or a related psychotic disorder.

Individuals with this disorder may experience unusual perceptions or illusions, such as the feeling of a deceased loved one in the room. They are often paranoid and may develop ideas of reference, such as the belief that other people are talking about or plotting against them. Many believe they have some form of magical powers, or sixth sense. Although reality contact is usually maintained, highly personalized and superstitious thinking are characteristic of those with this disorder, and during times of extreme stress they may experience transient psychotic symptoms.

Speech and mannerisms are often odd, and individuals with schizotypal personality disorder may attach unusual meanings to words, and their speech may be vague or abstract. They commonly appear unkempt and engage in unusual behaviors such as talking to themselves out loud even in the presence of others. They tend to be socially withdrawn and aloof, having few friends and displaying little emotion. Others may appear silly or laugh or cry at inappropriate times.

Schizotypal personality disorder is believed to be slight more common in males than in females and is estimated to affect about 3 percent of the general population.

Treatment of Schizotypal Personality:

Psychotherapy is the most effective treatment for this personality disorder. The therapist attempts to help the individual differentiate between fact and fantasy while exercising care not to be confrontational or directly challenge inappropriate thought patterns. Once the therapist has helped the schizotypal individual learn basic social skills, group therapy might be beneficial.

Antipsychotic medication is very useful as a treatment for individuals experiencing psychotic symptoms. Some individuals may need to remain on medication for the rest of their life.