What Is Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

What Is A Personality Disorder?

Personality describes the behaviors and ways of thinking that make someone who they are. Our personalities are created from a combination of genetics and the environment. They shape the way that we think about things, handle stress, form relationships, and behave. Personality disorders are behaviors and thoughts that deviate from a typical way of being.

It is a mental health disorder that can affect overall functioning. Personality disorders can disrupt the following:

The way you think
The way you feel
The way you behave
The way you respond

While personality is thought to stay consistent throughout your adult years, there is evidence that certain events, or psychotherapy, can change your nature. However, personality disorders are generally disruptive and long-lasting. Individuals with a personality disorder often report negative feelings in at least two of the following:

The way they think about themselves or others
The way they respond emotionally
They way they relate to others
The way they control their behaviors

The symptoms of a personality disorder can affect several aspects of a client’s life. The inability to form relationships, which is present with most personality disorders, can make it challenging to find employment or develop an excellent support system.

The specific symptoms vary, depending on the personality disorder. Some are avoidant and distrustful in nature, while other traits are eccentric or lead to unusual thinking patterns.

What Is A Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

A schizotypal personality disorder is a mental health condition that includes behaviors that are described as odd and eccentric. Individuals with schizotypal personality disorder tend to have a way of thinking that is considered weird or superstitious. They will often distort reality and behave unusually. Individuals with schizotypal personality disorder also often have conflicted and limited relationships.

Magic thinking is also often a part of schizotypal personality disorder. Clients may have a magic way of thinking, or it may seem like they live in a magical world in which they become preoccupied with their own thoughts and bizarre behaviors. Schizotypal personality disorder shares some of its symptoms with schizophrenia, leading some to believe that they are the same disorder wrongfully.

A schizotypal personality disorder affects several different areas of an individual’s life, but it is often marked by a distant or a lack of relationships. The isolation that comes with a schizotypal personality disorder is not the same as introverted preferences. While introverts may prefer to spend more time alone, this is much different from the isolation found with STPD. Individuals with a schizotypal personality disorder may be unable to form close relationships due to their odd ways of thinking and acting, and their discomfort with intimate relationships.

What Causes Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

It is not clear what causes personality disorders, including schizotypal personality disorder. But mental health professionals believe that personality disorders come from biopsychosocial causes, mixing biological and environmental factors. The development of schizotypal symptoms can also often be traced back to the teenage or early adulthood years.

While personality disorders cannot be prevented, understanding what causes them can be essential to early diagnosis and treatment.

Genetics And Schizotypal Personality

People with a family history of either schizotypal personality disorder or schizophrenia may be at an increased risk of developing a schizotypal personality disorder.

Individuals may be at an increased risk if:

They have a family history of schizotypal personality disorder or schizophrenia
They have a family history of other personality disorders, especially those in cluster A

However, it is unclear if the genetic portion of personality disorders is due to an actual genetic influence or if the environment of living with someone who has a personality disorder teaches them specific coping mechanisms and ways of being that lead to the development of certain personality traits. Individuals who grow up in a home with a parent who thinks oddly or eccentrically may develop a similar style of thinking or being.

Some studies also show that individuals who have a close family member, such as a parent who is emotionally detached during childhood, can develop relationship skills that are also avoidant and isolated.

While genetics show an increase in schizotypal personality disorder traits among those with a family history of schizophrenia, it doesn’t show a connection between an increased risk of schizophrenia for schizotypal relatives.

Newer studies also show that exposure to certain viruses during pregnancy can also lead to schizotypal personality disorder.

Environment And Schizotypal Personality

The symptoms of personality disorders usually display in early adulthood, but the actions and events of childhood lead to this way of being. Traumatic events in childhood and the coping mechanisms developed during this time can lead to difficult personality traits or the development of a personality disorder.

Individuals may be at an increased risk of schizotypal personality disorder if they are subject to the following:

Neglect
Abuse
Trauma
Stress

Some medical professionals believe that a predisposition and the right environmental conditions are needed to develop a personality disorder, such as schizotypal personality disorder. Additionally, psychological components may also be involved in the development of a personality disorder. The way that individual deals with stress or trauma can affect whether or not they develop a personality disorder.

It is essential to consider all options when considering the biopsychosocial cause. While individuals who have a first-degree relative with the personality disorder might be at an increased risk of developing it themselves, experts believe that they must be exposed to a traumatizing event or chronic stress for it to grow.

By considering family history and current symptoms ahead of time, individuals can seek a diagnosis and begin treatment earlier. While family history does not guarantee the development of either schizotypal disorder or schizophrenia, monitoring symptoms and developing important coping mechanisms early on is essential.

What Are The Signs Of Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

The signs of schizotypal personality disorder might include:

Behaving in an odd way
Odd, or rambling speech
Dressing in a way that differs from the norm
Frequent suspicions
Discomfort when in a social situation
Distrustful of others
Discomfort with intimacy
Few relationships
Odd or magical beliefs
Preoccupied with daydreams and fantasies
Emotionally distant with relationships
Lack of emotional responses
Paranoia
Social anxiety

Some studies also show that individuals with a schizotypal personality disorder can also experience memory and learning difficulties.

How Is Schizotypal Personality Disorder Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder should come from a trained mental health professional, such as a therapist or a psychologist. Medical doctors are not usually trained to deal with personality disorders. However, they can be an essential resource when looking for a qualified mental health provider.

A medical doctor will first complete a full medical evaluation, and rule out any medical conditions leading to the symptoms. Once other medical conditions are ruled out, they may provide the schizotypal patient with a referral to a mental health professional.

During a consultation with a mental health professional, they will evaluate the client’s history and symptoms before considering a diagnosis.

They will look at things like:

History of the symptoms (when they started, when they worsened, how often the client experiences them, and how much they affect normal functioning).
Family history of other personality disorders
Family history of mental health conditions
Evaluation of current relationships
Memorable experiences in childhood, including traumatic events

They may or may not provide a diagnosis on the first visit. Personality disorders can be more in-depth, so it may take longer to determine the cause of the symptoms.

The DSM-5 requires a minimum of five of the following for a schizotypal personality disorder diagnosis:

Ideas of reference present (not delusional)
Odd beliefs that may be magical
Strange behavior of thinking or speaking
Suspicious or paranoid ideation
Unusual perceptions of experiences
Affect that can be described as inappropriate
Odd or eccentric behavior
Lack of interpersonal relationships
Social anxiety that affects the ability to build or maintain relationships

Individuals who meet the diagnostic criteria for schizotypal personality disorder tend to have difficulty interpreting social cues or norms. This can lead to an overall odd way of responding, which can further impact developing relationships. Because plenty of personality disorders have similar negative symptoms, it is essential to look at them in combination with others. For example, most personality disorders have schizotypal traits that make it difficult to form relationships, meaning it is crucial to look at the cause. With schizotypal personality disorder, individuals are unable to build close relationships, not from insecurities or dependent behaviors, but instead, because of the way they deviate from typical social cues.

Diagnosing Schizotypal Personality Disorder In Teens

Personality disorders are not usually diagnosed until at least adulthood. This is because personality is still developing during the teenage years, and the presence of symptoms of a mental disorder could be attributed to several other factors. Their nature is thought to be permanent, but only once it has finished developing.

Teens can display traits of a personality disorder early on. With schizotypal personality disorder, teens may show an odd and eccentric way of thinking or dressing. Teens may also have an increased interest in spending time alone or have high levels of excessive social anxiety that prevents them from forming relationships. Due to a still-developing personality, it is crucial to consider parents’ or friends’ influence during the teenage years.

Additionally, some traits of schizotypal personality disorder may look different in teens. Most teens will display the following characteristics:

Inability to pay attention
Failure to form close friendships
A tendency to isolate and withdraw
A distorted way of thinking

The problem is that plenty of parents will attribute these traits to the typical development of a teenager, and in some ways, they can be right. This can make it even more challenging to identify a personality disorder earlier. One of the biggest challenges in waiting to seek treatment is that teens may be at an increased risk of suicide. Monitoring for any suicidal ideations is a crucial part of treating personality disorders in teens.

Some individuals might choose to bring a family member along when first being evaluated for a personality disorder. It can feel overwhelming learning about the different personality disorders and treatment options for the first time. Having another person there to ask questions and gather information can be helpful.

How Do You Treat Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

Until recently, some people believed that the symptoms and traits of a personality disorder could not be treated. Because a personality is made up of long-standing characteristics, some thought it was impossible to change them. However, talk therapy, or psychotherapy, has shown to be effective in treating plenty of personality disorders.

Personality disorders, in general, are often treated with the following theories:

Psychoanalytic therapy: Psychoanalytic therapy has effectively been used in the treatment of personality disorder for years. Using techniques like identifying themes and using the psychodynamic relationship as a model for building relationship skills can be useful for a personality disorder.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Schizotypal personality disorder is marked with distorted cognitive perceptions. Because CBT focuses on identifying irrational and distorted ways of thinking, it can be an effective treatment method. By learning to challenge these thoughts, it can allow clients to reshape their personality behaviors.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is most commonly used in the treatment of borderline personality disorder but can be useful in other personality disorders. It is a type of cognitive therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns while encouraging positive changes.
Group therapy: Group therapy can be helpful to understand more information about their personality disorder. Some family members may also benefit from attending group therapy with other family members who are the primary support system for someone with a personality disorder.

One of the most effective and commonly used treatments for a schizotypal personality disorder is a behavioral modification, which is part of cognitive-behavioral therapy. The clients are allowed to recognize their behaviors using behavioral modification. This includes watching videos or listening to recordings and then interpreting the actions.

How successful treatment is, depends on several factors, including the client’s willingness to try therapy and the severity of the symptoms. Regardless of the type of treatment used, treatment of personality disorders often focuses on the following:

Monitoring of co-occurring mental health conditions: Co-occurring mental health conditions can make the symptoms of a personality disorder worse.
Identifying irrational beliefs and learning to focus or challenge them: Many personality disorders, including schizotypal personality disorder, include irrational beliefs.
Learning stress management tips: Relieving stress and learning to deal with stressful situations is vital in managing a personality disorder.
Practicing social skills: Practicing social skills may also be included in the treatment plan for schizotypal personality disorder. Individuals with a schizotypal personality disorder do not usually believe that their way of acting and thinking is odd. Some therapists may use modeling to display and improve social skills.
Learning coping resources: Developing strong coping skills is essential in preventing the symptoms of a personality disorder from worsening.
Education: Education of personality disorders and how they affect an individual’s daily life is essential. Training may also be necessary for family therapy.
Developing routines: Developing routines and taking care of general health is also essential when managing symptoms of a personality disorder. Mental health therapists will often recommend monitoring sleep patterns, eating a healthy diet, exercising, and keeping up with therapy and medical appointments, as part of the treatment plan.
Suicidal ideation monitoring: Treatment should also include ongoing evaluation of suicidal ideations. Individuals with schizotypal personality tend to have limited relationships and may not have sufficient coping tools. This could lead to an increase in suicidal ideation.

In some cases, medications may be used to treat co-occurring disorders, including anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications. With the treatment of personality disorders, the focus is often on the improvement of symptoms and the development of relationships, rather than curing the personality disorder. However, it is essential to note that there are no approved drugs for any personality disorder treatment, including schizotypal personality disorder.

With as many as half of the people diagnosed with schizotypal personality disorder eventually having at least one episode of major depression, it is crucial to monitor for decreased mood and feelings of hopelessness. Learning to recognize these symptoms and knowing where to turn for assistance can help with managing this disorder.

Family or relationship counseling may also be recommended. Personality disorders often affect the entire family. Involving the family in treatment can provide the individual with the support system they need for effective treatment, while also helping the family better understand what they are going through. This is especially true if the client lives with their family.

With the combination of talk therapy and medications, individuals with a schizotypal personality disorder can lead normal, healthy lives and function with minimal symptoms. But, it is vital to keep in mind that treatment is often ongoing, and the symptoms may improve and worsen over time, so it is necessary to continue monitoring them.

Challenges Of Schizotypal Personality Disorder Treatments

It can also be helpful to be aware of the challenges that come with treating schizotypal personality disorder. One of the biggest challenges of seeking treatment for any personality disorder, especially schizotypal personality disorder, is that the individual may not know that they even have a personality disorder.

They may know that they have limited relationships or do not form new relationships well, but they do not often connect this to a personality disorder. Instead, a schizotypal personality disorder is often diagnosed when individuals seek treatment for an issue that they consider to be unrelated, like anxiety or depression.

Life challenges, like the loss of a job or a breakup, can also encourage someone to seek treatment. It is not until discussing their way of thinking in therapy that the possibility of a personality disorder is considered. They may find that they do not have the coping skills needed to deal with challenges and, as a result, seek treatment.

Because paranoia in relationships can be a part of schizotypal personality disorder, it can also be difficult for the therapist to develop a trusting relationship with the client. A good working relationship requires trust and open communication. The therapist-client relationship is also crucial in modeling good relationship habits, which can be a challenge if they are never able to develop that relationship.

How Is Schizotypal Personality Disorder Different From Schizophrenia?

A schizotypal personality disorder is not the same as schizophrenia. While schizotypal personality disorder is on the schizophrenia spectrum, there are distinct differences. One of the most significant distinctions between the two is that individuals with a schizotypal personality disorder do not experience psychosis and other symptoms, unlike with schizophrenia.

Psychosis includes delusions, hallucinations, and a generalized loss of sense of reality. However, this does not mean that those with a schizotypal personality disorder never have unrealistic thoughts or psychosis occurrences. Further confusing the diagnosis, individuals with a schizotypal personality disorder can experience minimally brief episodes of psychosis with delusions, but they do not often last. One of the most significant differences between the two mental health conditions is that those with schizophrenia cannot usually be convinced that their delusions are wrong. When provided with facts, it is possible to convince someone with a schizotypal personality disorder that they perceive inaccurately.

People with a schizotypal personality disorder can look at the evidence, while also understanding that they behave in a way that differs from the norm. Therapy treatment is recommended for schizophrenia and schizotypal personality disorders, but the personality disorder is considered to be less severe.

Similarities Between Schizotypal Personality Disorder And Schizophrenia

A lot of research has been conducted to identify the similarities and differences between schizotypal personality disorder and schizophrenia. While much is still unknown when it comes to personality disorders, researchers have found schizotypal personality disorder to be genetically similar to schizophrenia.

Specific studies show that there are 17 similarities in the brain’s structure between someone with schizotypal personality disorder and schizophrenia. The most significant difference, according to imaging, lies in the medial temporal lobes and the lateral ventricles. It is estimated that the involvement of these areas of the brain leads to psychosis, making the two mental disorders different. Another key difference is that individuals with schizophrenia also often show cognitive deficits. In contrast, those with a schizotypal personality disorder may have difficulty functioning normally, but do not usually have cognitive changes.

However, further research is needed to determine whether schizotypal personality disorder is just a less severe form of schizophrenia versus its own distinct mental disorder that will not often lead to the development of schizophrenia. Individuals with a schizotypal personality disorder can eventually develop schizophrenia. However, this is not always the case, and several factors can contribute to the development of new symptoms.

Currently, people who have a diagnosis of schizophrenia cannot also be diagnosed with a schizotypal personality disorder. Other diagnoses that disclude a schizotypal personality mental disorder include:

Bipolar disorder
Autism spectrum disorder
Depressive disorder with psychotic features
Any other psychotic disorder

When psychosis is present, the best diagnosis is not always clear. Thus, it is essential to work with a mental provider who can evaluate symptoms and determine the best diagnosis.

How Common Is Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

Personality disorders affect between 10%-13% of the population. Schizotypal personality disorder makes up about 3.9% of that population. It is unclear, however, if these numbers are accurate. Some individuals do not seek treatment for a personality disorder, which can affect the numbers’ accuracy. Additionally, those who seek treatment do not always receive a diagnosis, despite showing the symptoms of a personality disorder. Instead, they may be diagnosed solely because they sought treatment, such as a generalized anxiety disorder or major depressive episode. Some studies do show that men tend to make up a more significant percentage of schizotypal personality disorders. This could be due to genetic factors or societal influences that perceive men as more suspicious and hesitant to start new relationships.

Is Schizotypal Personality Disorder Serious?

A schizotypal personality disorder is a chronic, life-long mental illness that requires ongoing treatment. However, with treatment and routine monitoring of symptoms, it can be manageable.

However, it is essential to consider the possibility of a co-occurring disorder when dealing with a schizotypal personality disorder. Schizotypal personality disorder often co-occurs with other mental health conditions, including:

Anxiety: Because those with schizotypal personality disorder tend to feel isolated and may have difficulties in life, they are more likely to have feelings of anxiety.
Substance abuse disorders: Because of the effect that schizotypal personality disorder has on social relationships, individuals may feel alone and unequipped to deal with stress. This can lead to an increase in alcohol or drug use, leading to a substance abuse disorder. The use of drugs and alcohol can also worsen symptoms.
Depression: Individuals with schizotypal personality disorder are at an increased risk of developing a major depressive disorder. It is crucial to monitor depression for any thoughts or considerations of suicide.

It is also not uncommon to have co-occurring personality disorders. Effective treatment should identify each of these conditions. It is also essential to look out for evidence of psychotic or delusional episodes when dealing with STPD.

While personality disorders are unlikely to go away, some people experience a decrease in symptoms with age. A schizotypal personality disorder is one of the personality disorders that the severity can decrease over time. Some people will experience a significant decrease in their mental disorder severity by their 40’s-50’s.

Is Schizotypal Personality A Psychotic Disorder?

In most cases, a schizotypal personality disorder is not a psychotic disorder. However, individuals can display psychosis for a period. These occurrences of psychosis do tend to be less severe and not as frequent as with someone who is dealing with schizophrenia.

Schizotypy is a word used to describe the proneness of psychosis. Because individuals with a schizotypal personality disorder can be more prone to schizophrenia, or psychosis; they may be known as schizotypy. This word refers to a theoretical concept that describes the transition from imaginative thinking to more distorted or magical thought patterns.

What Is Magic Thinking Schizotypal?

Magic thinking is one of the traits often exhibited in individuals with a schizotypal personality disorder. Magic thinking describes the belief that unrelated events are personally connected to the person. They may adjust their behaviors or way of talking based on this magical way of thinking. An essential part of therapy for those with a schizotypal personality disorder is learning to identify these magical ways of thinking and then implementing techniques to develop more realistic thought patterns.

This may also sometimes be referred to as ideas of reference. Ideas of reference is the process of an individual placing strong personal significance on events of mere coincidence. While occasional thoughts of a potential personal connection or increase in significance relation are something that plenty of people experience, ideas of reference present with schizotypal personality disorder tend to be more frequent. People with a schizotypal personality disorder may connect coincidences to more distorted perceptions of reality.

Thought patterns can often be described as inaccurate interpretations of actions and events. This often leads to superstitious or paranormal thinking. It is important to consider culture when identifying interpretations. Individuals from different cultures may have beliefs that differ from the therapist, but not when compared to their lifestyle. The interpretations or references must deviate from what is considered normal to diagnose STPD.

Is Schizotypal Personality Disorder A Disability?

Schizotypal personality can be considered a disability. While it is possible to function normally with effective treatment, the traits that come with STPD can limit work and relationship success. Social Security does recognize similar disorders, like schizophrenia, as a disability. A schizotypal personality disorder may also qualify, depending on the severity of symptoms.

What Are The Other Types of Personality Disorders?

The DSM-5 includes ten personality disorders, categorized into three different clusters. They include:

Cluster A: Cluster A mental personality disorders are made up of odd and eccentric behaviors. Schizotypal personality disorder falls into this category. Cluster A consists of the following personality disorders:

Schizoid personality disorder: Schizoid personality disorder includes limited social relationships due to a lack of emotional intelligence and social skills. Individuals with this personality disorder will often avoid social activities out of fear of personal or intimate interactions.
Schizotypal personality disorder: Schizotypal personality disorder includes behaviors or thoughts that are considered odd or eccentric. Individuals often have limited relationships due to this different way of being, with isolation being common among most people with this disorder.
Paranoid personality disorder: Paranoid personality disorder includes patterns of distrust and suspicions. It is also marked with limited relationships and unusual perceptual experiences.

Cluster B: Cluster B personality disorders include behaviors that are dramatic and erratic. Cluster B consists of the following personality disorders:

Histrionic personality disorder: Histrionic personality disorder includes attention-seeking behaviors and rapidly changing emotions.
Borderline personality disorder: Borderline personality disorder includes unstable moods, frequenting between depressive and manic episodes.
Narcissistic personality disorder: Narcissistic personality disorder consists of a strong desire for admiration and an overall lack of empathy.
Antisocial personality disorder: Antisocial personality disorder includes impulsive behaviors and a general disregard for rules or laws.

Cluster C: Cluster C personality disorders include behaviors that are fearful and anxious. Cluster C contains the following personality disorders:

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder: Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder includes rigid rule-following and a need for order.
Avoidant personality disorder: Avoidant personality disorder includes discomfort in social situations and a fear of intimacy with others.
Dependent personality disorder: Dependent personality disorder consists of an urge to be cared for by others.

One thing in common between personality disorders is that they all affect an individual’s ability to form relationships. Difficulty in building relationships can affect not only the social life but also their professional success.

How Do You Know If Someone Has Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

Whether you are concerned about your own symptoms or have a loved one who you believe may have a schizotypal personality disorder, the following questions can be helpful:

Do any family members have personality disorders?
Do any family members have schizophrenia?
What behaviors are most concerning?
Is there any other reasoning or potential cause for the behaviors?
When were the behaviors first noticed?
How do these symptoms affect overall functioning? How do they affect relationships?
Do symptoms affect the ability to interact socially?
Is forming relationships a difficulty?
Can any behaviors or ways of thinking be described as odd or eccentric?
Can the thought patterns be described as magical thinking?
Is there any risk of self-harm or hurting others?

If you are concerned that your loved one might hurt themselves or others, it is crucial to seek help immediately. Individuals with personality disorders may be at an increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts.

Convincing someone with a personality disorder to seek mental health treatment is not always easy. However, if you can talk them into consulting with a medical provider or therapist, you can provide them with the resources they need to overcome their symptoms. Help them prepare for their appointment by compiling a list of their medical and mental health history. Together, you can come up with a list of questions that you might want to ask your health provider.

How Can I Improve My Schizotypal Personality Disorder Symptoms?

Being involved in the treatment of your personality disorder is essential in improving symptoms. You might have a lot of questions during your appointment following a schizotypal personality disorder diagnosis.

Consider some of the following questions:

How often do you recommend psychotherapy?
Should I discuss the use of medications with my medical provider?
What should I work on at home?
Should I involve my family in therapy?
What can I expect to improve from treatment?
What things do I need to look out for?

You can also help with your treatment by taking care of your general wellbeing. Make it a point to get a good night of sleep. Effective therapy also requires practice when outside of the session. Your therapist will provide you with resources and tools to help you develop coping and relationship skills. Using these resources outside of therapy is essential for developing new personality habits.

The better that you can manage your schizotypal personality symptoms, the more prepared you are. Keep in mind that the more open you are with your therapist, the more they can help you. It is never easy to seek therapy, but it is an essential step toward improving your symptoms and learning to function with a personality disorder. It can also be helpful to involve your family and any other relationships in therapy.

How Can I Help Someone Who Has Schizotypal Personality?

Living with a personality disorder can be very overwhelming. The traits involved with a schizotypal personality disorder can leave someone feeling isolated. Feelings of anxiety and depression are also not uncommon. It can also be challenging to live with or have a family member with a schizotypal personality disorder.

Because plenty of people with a personality disorder do not realize that they have one, they may not understand why they lack intimate relationships. Education and awareness of these traits and the possibility of a personality disorder can help your loved one seek the help need to improve their symptoms.

You can also help your loved one by monitoring their behaviors and moods. Early identification of suicidal thoughts is crucial to get professional help before those thoughts turn into suicidal attempts. If you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts, there is help available. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, where you will be connected with local resources. You can also visit your nearest emergency department if the danger is immediate.

While personality disorders tend to be lifelong, there are treatments available to manage symptoms and help people function better. Schizotypal personality disorder can lead to a lack of relationships. Still, through techniques like social skill building and modeling behaviors, it is possible to form an excellent support system that is made up of close relationships.