Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Information, Symptoms, Treatment and More

Schizotypal Personality Disorder is the name of a Personality Disorder that is characterised by extreme social anxiety, disturbed thoughts, and unconventional beliefs.

The disorder forms part of the Cluster A ‘odd and eccentric’ category of personality disorders. Typical symptoms include peculiar mannerisms and a fear of social situations – normally due to the irrational belief that others have negative thoughts towards them.

The disorder shares some similarities with Schizophrenia. Moreover, Schizotypal personality disorder often causes functional impairment, and can be a difficult condition to live with. However, with the right treatment and support, symptoms can be controlled much more, leading to a better quality of life.

What are the symptoms of Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

The symptoms of Schizotypal Personality Disorder can range slightly from person to person – with everyone experiencing the disorder in different ways.

However, symptoms should have been present for a considerable length of time, and be ingrained within the personality of an individual. Typical symptoms include:

• Being highly uncomfortable or anxious in social situations
• Not trusting others – always being wary of their motives
• Having few friends
• Appearing emotionless, or emotionally ‘cold’
• Exhibit peculiar mannerisms
• Dressing strangely
• General odd behaviour or speech
• Paranoia – especially in terms of believing others dislike them
• Abnormal beliefs – such as misinterpreting reality, misunderstanding others intentions, or believing they have the ability to read minds
• Superstitious
• Mainly engage in solitary activities
• Display some symptoms associated with Schizophrenia, albeit at less intensity

These symptoms will lead to an individual to thinking, feeling and behaving differently to the average person. The symptoms will cause them distress, as well as causing impairment in various areas of life – such as in work and social environments.

What are the causes of Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

It isn’t entirely known what causes Schizotypal Personality Disorder – as is the case with all personality disorders. It is believed that many factors contribute to the onset of the disorder.

A personality concerns the combination of thoughts, emotions and behaviours that makes the individual. As so many factors contribute to a personality developing, it can be difficult to pinpoint exact causes. However, some factors and triggers do appear to exist.

Genetics appears to be a key factor. Conditions on the Schizophrenic Spectrum appear to commonly run in families – meaning the chances of developing Schizotypal Personality Disorder seems to be higher when a parent has had a similar condition.

Interesting research found that a baby exposed to influenza during gestation, or poor nutrition in childhood, are factors linked to the onset of Schizotypal Personality Disorder [1].

Parenting styles, family dysfunction or any form of neglect may also contribute to the onset of the disorder. Childhood events are key in all personality disorders – as this is when personality starts to develop. Any traumatic event during childhood may act as a trigger [2].

Moreover, cannabis usage has been linked to an increase in the chances of Schizotypal Personality Disorder developing [3].

People with Schizotypal Personality Disorder appear to struggle with processing social cues. Coping strategies that someone employs when faced with adversity may also be harmful, leading to personality defects. Substance abuse too may be a factor.

Diagnosis of Schizotypal Personality Disorder

It is important for an individual to see a Doctor or mental health professional if they believe they are suffering from a personality disorder.

At an appointment, a Doctor will ask a series of questions in regards to the symptoms of an individual. Questions will focus on the impact of the symptoms on their life, behaviour, thoughts and feelings.

If they suspect a personality disorder may be present, they will refer the individual to a Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) – a team of mental health professionals.

A member of the CMHT will carry out a full assessment of symptoms, and aim to make a diagnosis. They will ask further questions, and aim to generate a full picture of how an individual’s personality traits are causing them distress.

It is of imperative importance that an individual answers all questions truthfully – as this will ensure an accurate diagnosis can be made.

For any personality disorder to be diagnosed, an individual will need to have displayed similar long-term behaviour, and for this behaviour to not be linked to a different condition, or other substance.

For Schizotypal Personality Disorder to be diagnosed, a minimum of five of the following symptoms should be present:

• Presence of strange beliefs
• Paranoia
• Disordered thoughts and speech
• Belief that everyday events or coincidences have a hidden meaning behind them
• Lack of, or inappropriate affect
• Overall strange behaviour or appearance
• Lack of close friends
• Abnormal perceptions of events/experiences
• Constant feelings of social anxiety

Sometimes, a different condition will be diagnosed, if symptoms presented better fit an alternative condition. Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment can proceed.

How is Schizotypal Personality Disorder treated?

Treating personality disorders can be difficult. Changing harmful personality traits can prove time-consuming. Sometimes, more of a focus is given on short-term results as opposed to long-term.

Schizotypal Personality Disorder can be treated, and in the majority of instances, symptoms can be controlled more, leading to an improvement in quality of life. Typical treatment includes:

Talking Therapy

Some form of talking therapy can be useful in treating Schizotypal Personality Disorder. Due to the social anxiety and paranoia, it can be difficult however to instigate treatment. Many different types of therapy exist – with a choice being made based on individual circumstances.

Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy: Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy is a talking therapy that aims to help uncover and resolve unconscious beliefs that cause psychiatric conditions. Traumatic experiences that may or may not be buried in the unconscious mind can be highlighted and processed. Psychoanalytical psychotherapy involves talking to a trained therapist. The therapist can show the individual how early memories and past traumas have affected their thinking, behaviour and attitude in the modern day. Psychoanalytical psychotherapy is especially useful for any condition that involves past trauma. Renowned neurologist Sigmund Freud developed this therapy, which is typically completed over a long-term basis.

There are a range of other types of talking therapies available. Therapy has the potential to help in many ways. We have more information on our Therapy section.

Medication

While no medicine is specifically licensed for the treatment of Schizotypal Personality Disorder, some symptoms can be helped by some medicines.

For those who exhibit false beliefs and eccentric behaviours, antipsychotics at a low dose may be prescribed. For those who exhibit more obsessive behaviours, antidepressants may help.

Antipsychotics: Antipsychotics (also known as neuroleptics) block the effect of dopamine – a chemical in the brain that is heavily linked to psychotic symptoms like hallucinations. They can also be useful for stabilising mood, and treating anxiety. They are not suitable for everyone however, and are often associated with many side effects like weight gain, dizziness and dry mouth.

Antidepressants: Antidepressants can help to improve and regulate mood. They should improve motivation and restore energy. SSRI Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed. They act on the brain chemical serotonin – which is thought to help in regulating mood and emotion. They may include side-effects such as a dry mouth, sexual problems and nausea, though these should hopefully be short-term. Other classes of antidepressants are available in the event of an inadequate reaction.

The main focus in treating personality disorders involves therapy, however medications can be used to help.

It has been suggested that Schizotypal Personality Disorder may be a mild form of Schizophrenia – with some considering this condition as being on the Schizophrenic Spectrum. It is possible that someone with this personality disorder will go on to develop Schizophrenia.

Summary

It is important for anyone experiencing mental health problems to seek help. With the right support and treatment, improvements can be made, which should hopefully lead to a better quality of life.

To find out more and to improve your understanding, please note that there is plenty of information across our website.

See Also

• Personality Disorder Section
• What Is The Prognosis for Personality Disorders?
• Therapy Homepage
• Medicine Homepage