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.
The cause of this condition 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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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 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
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.
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
Mental Health America http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net
National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov
Canadian Psychiatric Association https://www.cpa-apc.org
Canadian Psychological Association https://cpa.ca
Apthorp D, Bolbecker AR, et al. Postural sway abnormalities in schizotypal personality disorder. Schizophr Bull. 2019;45(3):512-521.
Cluster A personality disorders. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/overview-of-cluster-a-personality-disorders. Accessed March 11, 2021.
Personality disorder. Mental Health America website. Available at: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/personality-disorder. Accessed March 11, 2021.
Schizotypal personality disorder. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at:http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/personality-disorders/schizotypal-personality-disorder. Accessed March 11, 2021.
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrian Preda, MD
- Review Date: 01/2021
- Update Date: 03/11/2021