What are the symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder?

Symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder

Schizotypal personality disorder involves a rangeTrusted Source of symptoms. There may be similarities to schizophrenia, but it is important to keep in mind that they are two separate conditions.

Relationships

Individuals with schizotypal personality disorder do not typically have close friends or confidants. They may only be close to their first-degree relatives.

People with schizotypal personality disorder can feel uncomfortable relating to others. They typically only interact with others when they have to. They may feel anxious and uncomfortable in social situations because they tend to feel that they are different and do not belong.

Atypical thinking and behavior

People with schizotypal personality disorder may have unconventional ways of perceiving things and communicating. These may include:

• Magical thinking: Individuals believe they have magical control over other people. They may think they have the ability to make others perform tasks or that they can perform rituals to prevent harm.
• Ideas of reference: People believe that ordinary occurrences have special meanings just for them.
• Paranormal powers: Individuals believe they have paranormal powers that can allow them to read other people’s minds or sense events before they happen.
• Paranoia: Individuals may be mistrustful and suspicious. They may wrongfully believe that others are trying to harm them.

Perception

People with schizotypal personality disorder may have a distorted perception of reality. What they see, hear, or sense may be unusual. For example, they may hear voices whispering their name.

Eccentricity

Individuals may view those with schizotypal personality disorder as eccentric. Their speech may be atypical — it may contain atypical phrases or use words unconventionally. It may also be excessively abstract.

People with this condition may dress atypically or appear unkempt. For example, they may wear dirty or ill-fitting clothes.

Individuals may also ignore typical social conventions, such as making eye contact. They also typically do not understand typical social cues and may interact with others inappropriately because of this.

Learn more about schizotypal personality disorder.

What are cluster A personality disorders?

Schizotypal personality disorder is a cluster A personality disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR) groups the 10 types of personality disorders into three clusters based on similar characteristics.

Cluster A personality disorders involve atypical or eccentric behaviors. It includes the following personality disorders:

• paranoid
• schizoid
• schizotypal, which involves eccentric ideas and behavior

Learn more about cluster A personality disorders.

Treatment for schizotypal personality disorder

There is limited evidence for specific treatments for schizotypal personality disorder. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approvedTrusted Source any medications to specifically treat the condition.

However, the general treatment strategies are similar to those for other personality disorders and usually involve a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

While antipsychotic medications and antidepressants do not have official approval to treat schizotypal personality disorder, they are a common way to help manage the condition. Antipsychotics help lessen anxiety and psychotic-like symptoms, such as hearing voices. Antidepressants can also help ease social anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help by focusing on managing anxiety and acquiring social skills. It can also help an individual better understand how others may perceive their behaviors.

Another type of therapy that can help with schizotypal personality disorder is supportive psychotherapy. The goal of this approach is for the therapist to establish an encouraging, emotional, and supportive relationship with the individual. This can help them develop healthy defense mechanisms, especially in personal relationships.

Summary

Schizotypal personality disorder is a mental health condition that involves eccentric behaviors, atypical perceptions of reality, and difficulty with personal relationships.

Treatment typically involves a combination of medications and psychotherapy. However, there is limited evidence for effective treatments for schizotypal personality disorder specifically.