Schizotypal Personality Disorder

A person’s personality includes how they think, feel, and behave. It is unique to them and sets them apart from others. 

Some mental health conditions called personality disorders can impact the way a person thinks, behaves, and feels. Schizotypal personality disorder (STPD) is a mental health condition that can impair a person’s relationships, emotions, and daily functioning.

This article will explore schizotypal personality disorder. You will learn:

• The symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder
• What causes this condition
• The difference between schizotypal personality disorder and schizophrenia
• How to treat schizotypal personality disorder
• Where to find mental health treatment

If you or someone you love needs treatment for schizotypal personality disorder or another mental health condition, contact Agape Behavioral Health.

What is Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

Schizotypal personality disorder (STPD) is a mental health condition. People with STPD may have odd or eccentric behaviors. They may lack close relationships with others. People with schizotypal personality disorder may struggle to understand other people’s behaviors, causing them to mistrust most others. 

Schizotypal personality disorder impairs a person’s ability to interpret social cues. They may feel highly anxious in social situations. This can cause people with STPD to avoid social situations. They may also have odd beliefs or magical thinking that make them seem strange to others. 

Most people with STPD receive a diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder during early adulthood. Some exhibit symptoms in childhood or adolescence. While STPD is a lifelong condition, people may use medications and therapy to reduce symptoms.

Symptoms of Schizotypal Personality Disorder

According to the American Psychiatric Association, a person must exhibit five or more symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder. As outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed (DSM-5), the symptoms of this condition include:

• Lacking close relationships outside of the immediate family
• Being a “loner” or being isolated from others
• Exhibiting flat emotions
• Displaying limited emotional responses
• Having emotional responses that are not socially appropriate
• Experiencing excessive, ongoing social anxiety
• Having magical thinking or odd beliefs
• Feeling paranoid or suspicious about others’ intentions
• Misinterpreting events, such as believing harmless or inoffensive things are directed at them
• Believing in superstitions, magical powers, telepathy, etc. 
• Dressing in an odd way, such as wearing mismatched or messy clothing
• Bizarre speech patterns (vague, rambling, etc.)
• Having ideas of reference (believing unrelated things, such as songs, are about them)
• Odd mannerisms 
• Excessively abstract or concrete thoughts and beliefs

Family members, friends, and mental health professionals may identify these or other symptoms of personality disorders during childhood or adolescence. However, most people receive a diagnosis as an adult. 

What Causes Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

Like most personality disorders, schizotypal personality disorder is a complex condition. Mental health experts believe various factors can contribute to developing a personality disorder. These include:

• Biological factors
• Genetics
• Family history of schizophrenia or Cluster A personality disorders, including schizoid personality disorder

Many researchers believe that biological and genetic factors have the most influence on a person’s likelihood of developing schizotypal personality disorder. 

While the names of the conditions may sound similar, schizotypal personality disorder and schizophrenia are not the same thing. Schizophrenia is a severe mental health condition. People with schizophrenia typically have delusions and hallucinations. Generally, their symptoms impact daily functioning much more than the symptoms of STPD tend to.

It is important to receive an accurate diagnosis so that you can get effective treatment. If you have mental health symptoms that impact the way you feel or function, seek treatment and support right away. 

Treatment for Schizotypal Personality Disorder

People typically begin to exhibit symptoms of a personality disorder during childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. Many people do not realize their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors are unusual. They may instead seek treatment for another condition related to the personality disorder, such as major depressive disorder or anxiety.

Personality disorder treatment typically involves a combination of medications and specialized therapies. Treatment for schizotypal personality can help people with STPD manage their symptoms but cannot “cure” this condition.

Here is an overview of how STPD is treated. 

Medications

Mental health practitioners may prescribe low-dose antipsychotic drugs to reduce symptoms of STPD, including:

• Odd speech patterns
• Impulsivity
• Depression
• Strange thoughts
• Anxiety

Taking medications can help people manage their symptoms effectively. Prescription drugs are most effective for people with moderately severe STPD symptoms.

Psychotherapy

People with STPD may benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). Here are two of the most common types of therapy used to treat schizotypal personality disorder.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is a structured form of psychotherapy that helps people reach personal goals. In cognitive behavioral therapy sessions, people explore the connection between their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. They identify destructive patterns and work to make meaningful changes to improve how they feel and function. 

Group therapy

Group therapy can be beneficial for people with STPD. People work in a group setting to improve communication and other interpersonal skills. They may identify and address social issues and work to improve their social functioning. 

There is no known way to prevent schizotypal personality disorder. However, being aware of the symptoms and seeking treatment can help people with STPD manage their symptoms.

Find Mental Health Treatment Now

If you or someone in your life needs personality disorder treatment or other mental health treatment, contact Agape Behavioral Health. Our specialists can help you find the right treatment for your condition or help you schedule an intake appointment.