Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Schizotypal personality disorder is characterized eccentricity and great difficulty in establishing and maintaining close relationships with others. People with this disorder do not know how to form relationship as they do not understand impact of their behavior on others. They also misinterpret social cues, doubts others motivation and develop distrust for them. People with this disorder may have peculiar beliefs, be highly superstitious or preoccupied with paranormal phenomena. This condition is usually diagnosed in early adulthood.
Symptoms
- Lack of close relationships
- Poor or inappropriate emotional responses
- Poor social interpretations
- Vague or meaningless speech
- Peculiar beliefs and behavior
- Excessive social anxiety
- Suspicious beliefs and ideas
Cause
The exact cause is unknown. There are many theories about the possible causes of schizotypal personality disorder such as biological and genetic factors, social factors and psychological factors. It could be due to problems during development of personality and learning of relationship making.
Risk factors
- Family history
- Dysfunctional family
- Childhood trauma or abuse
Complications
- Anxiety or depression
- Psychotic episodes
- Social isolation
- Poor performance in academics or work
- Rarely schizophrenia may result
Tests and diagnosis
- History and clinical assessment
- Family history
- Blood tests
- EEG, CT, MRI
Diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder must include at least five of the following criteria:
- Incorrect interpretations of events
- Odd beliefs
- Unusual perceptions
- Odd or peculiar thinking, speech and behavior
- Suspicious or paranoid thoughts
- Flat emotions appearing cold and isolated
- Odd or peculiar appearance
- Lack of close friends or confidants other than relatives
- Excessive social anxiety
Treatment
- Medications
- Psychotherapy
- Holistic management
