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» Conditions » Personality Disorders » Schizotypal Personality Disorder
What is Schizotypal Personality Disorder?
Schizotypal personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of social and interpersonal deficiencies along with such extreme levels of discomfort in close relationships that few, if any, connections with others are established. People who suffer from this disorder are often described as odd or eccentric. Like all personality disorders, it is typically developed by early adulthood. Individuals with this disorder may also be at risk of developing anxiety or other distressing mood disorders. As many as 50% suffer from a depressive disorder severe enough to cause suicidal tendencies.
Symptoms
The major symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder are:
Extreme Discomfort in Social Relationships.
People with schizotypal personality disorders are extremely uncomfortable in close relationships, even with people who are familiar. They have no interest in forming friendships or sexual relationships. Their discomfort may be shown by the person acting cold and aloof when interacting with others.
Few Close Relationships.
Individuals with this disorder form few, if any, close relationships.
Odd Appearance and Thinking.
Their appearance and behavior is often characterized as odd or strange. A person with this disorder might complain of odd symptoms, such as pain in the blood or bones. Many believe they are clairvoyant, telepathic, or have a sixth sense.
Suspicious or Paranoid Ideas.
People with schizotypal personality disorder are very suspicious and may believe that others are talking about them. They may perceive references to themselves in others' conversations.
Causes
Psychosocial Explanation:
The term "psychosocial" implies that personality disorders are a result of experiences the person has had, particularly during childhood and adolescence. This idea does not necessarily follow any particular theory of psychology or development. The recently developed object-relations theory emphasizes the influence of the parent-child relationship. For example, a child who has a parent incapable of feeling empathy is vulnerable to developing antisocial personality disorder.
Treatment
People with schizotypal personality disorder rarely seek treatment for the symptoms listed above. They are more likely to seek treatment for a depressive disorder, if they develop one. The therapist often re-evaluates situations and challenges the person's paranoia and suspicion. People with this disorder may benefit from a cognitive-behavioral approach called behavior modification to help them with peculiar mannerisms. Simple instruction, such as viewing videotapes to help them recognize and modify odd behaviors or visiting a speech therapist to help them speak more clearly and more effective, seems to help. Suicidal or severely socially impaired people may require temporary hospitalization. Hospitalization may help a socially impaired sufferer form new relationships and social contacts within the community. Some individuals improve significantly, while others experience little improvement.
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