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Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition

Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Definition

Schizotypal personality disorder is a pattern of odd beliefs and behaviors. People with this condition often have problems making and keeping friends. They may also have problems at work or school.

Causes

The cause of schizotypal personality disorder is not clear. It is likely due to genes and environment.

Frontal Lobe of the Brain.

Although the cause of personality disorders is not clear, it is believed that the frontal lobe is where personality and impulses arise.

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Frontal lobehttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=73017301si2120.jpgsi2120.jpgNULLjpgsi2120.jpgNULL\\hgfiler01a\intellect\images\si2120.jpgNULL74NULL2008-11-073744007301_222871Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Risk Factors

Schizotypal personality disorder is more common in men. However, women can also have it. The risk may be higher in those with relatives who have schizophrenia.

Symptoms

Symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder may be:

  • Feeling uneasy with people
  • Problems forming relationships
  • Odd speech, dress, and grooming
  • "Magical" thinking—having special powers
  • Odd or paranoid thoughts
  • Problems showing some emotions
  • Talking to self

Diagnosis

A mental health provider will ask about symptoms, health, and mental health. Mental health assessments will be done. The results will be used to confirm a diagnosis.

Treatment

The goal is to treat the disorder. Other mental health problems may also need to be treated. Options may be:

  • Counseling—to help with coping
  • Group therapy—to help with social skills
  • Medicine—to treat thinking problems

Prevention

There are no guidelines to prevent schizotypal personality disorder.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Apthorp D, Bolbecker AR, et al. Postural sway abnormalities in schizotypal personality disorder. Schizophr Bull. 2019;45(3):512-521.
  • Overview of cluster A personality disorders. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/overview-of-cluster-a-personality-disorders.
  • Personality disorder. Mental Health America website. Available at:https://www.mhanational.org/conditions/personality-disorder.
  • Schizotypal personality disorder. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at:http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/personality-disorders/schizotypal-personality-disorder.

Contributors

  • Adrian Preda, MD
Last Updated:
2022-09-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.