Schizotypal Personality Disorder

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Schizotypal Personality Disorder is characterised by cognitive or perceptual distortions, odd behaviour and the inability to maintain any close relationships. Research has suggested that Schizotypal Personality Disorder represents mild schizophrenia as similar, yet not identical, symptoms are shared. Those with the disorder often believe they have extra sensory abilities, can see in to the future and can read other people's minds. They also describe supernatural experiences, such as out of body experiences and recurrent coincidences.

Those with Schizotypal Personality Disorder have difficulties forming relationships and typically have few, if any, close friends. They also feel extreme anxiety in social situations and may act inappropriately, or not react at all, during conversations. Sufferers often seek isolation from others, convinced that they are the constant topic of ridicule, criticism or gossip. Thus those with the disorder trust few people and view the world as an isolated place.

Schizotypals typically dress oddly, behave eccentrically and their speech is elaborate and difficult to follow. This may be the cause of ridicule, thus leading to their paranoia that everyone else is out to get them. However, unlike with schizophrenia, those with schizotypal personality disorder are not generally prone to delusions. Though they may resemble those with schizophrenia, more commonly sufferers behave only mildly oddly having unusual beliefs. The disorder can best be defined as disturbances in thought patterns, appearance and behaviour, and a lack of interpersonal relationships. Schizotypals are more likely to join cults.

Symptoms:

Odd beliefs, behaviour and fantasies

Eccentric appearance and behaviour

Odd speech, often difficult to follow

Unusual perceptual experiences

Excessive social anxiety

Few, if any, close friends

Suspicion and paranoia

Cause:

The cause of Schizotypal Personality Disorder is still unknown. However research has found increased occurrence of the disorder in relatives of Schizophrenics. Awareness of family history may allow early diagnoses. However, Schizotypal personality Disorder should not be confused with schizophrenia.

Treatment:

Some form of psychotherapy is usually the preferred choice of treatment for this disorder, as with most personality disorders. Reality is typically more distorted with this disorder than with schizoid personality disorder. Medication may be used for more acute phases of the disorder, which commonly occur during stressful situations which the individual cannot cope with adequately. However, Schizotypals rarely seek treatment for their disorder on their own.

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