Talkspace’s Guide to Schizotypal Personality Disorder – Causes Symptoms & Treatment

People with the schizotypal disorder often experience long-term patterns of peculiar behavior that may appear bizarre to others. Those who suffer from this condition are typical loners who love keeping their distance from other people.

What are personality disorders?

According to the American Psychiatry Association, individuals suffering from personality disorders such as schizotypal often experience actions and patterns that are not within the norms of society. For example, they may have a hard time forming and establishing, and sustaining healthy relationships.

Symptoms and signs of schizotypal personality disorder

A schizotypal personality disorder is usually characterized by interpersonal and social deficit as well as extreme discomfort with close relationships. Such behavior often starts during early adulthood and manifest in different ways.

Here are the most common signs and symptoms:

• They are loners who usually don’t have close friends other than their immediate family members
• Their social anxiety is severe and persistent
• They constantly have paranoid or suspicious thoughts about others
• They have inappropriate or limited emotional responses
• They often dress in unusual ways, sometimes unkempt
• They have abnormal beliefs and thinking patterns
• They tend to have a strong belief in superstition or mental telepathy
• They usually misinterpret events

Signs and symptoms of this schizotypal disorder can also start to show in the teenage years. One may experience excessive levels of social anxiety and a desire to be alone. In such cases, a child may perform dismally in school.

What causes schizotypal personality disorder?

A personality is a mixture of emotions, behaviors, and thoughts that make who you are. Personality generally forms and sticks when one is a child. It then influences how that individual views himself and the surrounding environment.

Although the definite cause of schizotypal personality disorder is not known, it is believed that factors such as environmental influences, genetics, and learned behavior contribute significantly.

According to different therapists at Talkspace, an individual’s risk of having this condition is high if they have a close family member with the schizotypal disorder.

Individuals with schizotypal disorder are also at risk of developing the following conditions:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Schizophrenia
• Suicidal attempts
• Temporary psychotic episodes

Diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder

If you experience any signs or symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder, then you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Symptoms can be easily managed if they are detected early.

You can also use mobile apps such as Talkspace to access licensed therapist who can diagnose the condition remotely.

Your doctor will start by asking about your medical history and conduct a medical examination. Despite the fact that there is no lab test to point out schizotypal personality disorder, the doctor will use other tests to ensure that there the symptoms are not caused by physical injury.

According to a senior therapist working at Talkspace, diagnosis usually involves a rigorous review of an individual’s symptoms, medical history, and other symptoms shown in the diagnostic.

Treatment of schizotypal personality disorder

There is no recognizable treatment for schizotypal personality disorder. However, there are several therapy treatment types that include cognitive-behavioral therapy, supportive therapy, and family therapy.