Schizotypal Personality Disorder

By: Bree Crawford

Definition

• Schizotypal Personality Disorder - is a personality disorder characterized by a need for social isolation, anxiety in social situations, odd behavior and thinking, and often unconventional beliefs.

Symptoms

• Discomfort in social situations.

• Inappropriate displays of feelings.

• No close friends.

• Odd behavior or appearance.

• Odd beliefs, fantasies, or preoccupations.

• Odd speech.

• Suspiciousness or paranoid ideation.

Other Information

• Schizotypal personality disorder should not be confused with schizophrenia. People with schizotypal personality disorder can have odd beliefs and behaviors. But unlike people with schizophrenia, they are not disconnected from reality and usually do not hallucinate. They also do not have delusions.

• Schizotypal personality disorder is usually a long-term (chronic) illness. Outcome of treatment varies based on the severity of the disorder.

• There is no known prevention. Awareness of risk, such as a family history of schizophrenia, may allow early diagnosis.

Cause

• The cause of schizotypal personality disorder is unknown. Genes are thought to be involved because this condition is more common in relatives of schizophrenics.

Treatment

• Talk therapy is an important part of treatment.

• Social skills training can help some people cope with social situations.

• Medicines may also be a helpful addition.

• schizotypal personality disorder is best treated with some form of psychotherapy.

• A warm, supportive, and client-centered environment should be established with initial rapport.

Media

Media

Media

Bibliography

• http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx33t.htm

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Efw7de8NYsg

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W76tBPAow0M

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsnhuFEIiBY

• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001525.htm