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Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Definition

Schizotypal personality disorder is a personality disorder characterized by odd behaviors, beliefs, and/or thoughts, and difficulties in social situations. People with personality disorders are not aware that their thoughts and behaviors are inappropriate.

Causes

It is not clear what causes personality disorders, but it is likely a combination of genetic (inherited) factors and a person's environment.
Frontal Lobe of the Brain
Frontal lobe
Although the cause of personality disorders is not clear, it is believed that the frontal lobe is where personality and impulses arise.
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The following factors are thought to increase the risk of schizotypal personality disorder:

Symptoms

Symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder may include:
  • Odd or eccentric dress and grooming
  • Unusual style of communication
  • Illusions
  • "Magical" thinking
  • Peculiar, outlandish, or paranoid ideas or beliefs
  • Difficulty forming relationships
  • Social anxiety
  • Talking to self

Diagnosis

You will likely be referred to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional who will ask you about your symptoms and mental and medical health history. A diagnosis will be made after a complete psychiatric assessment that rules out other disorders such as schizophrenia , depersonalization disorder (a type of dissociative disorder), obsessive-compulsive personality disorder , and other personality disorders.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:

Counseling

Counseling is often beneficial for people with schizotypal personality disorder. Counseling sessions focus on helping you gain insight into your personality disorder and changing your behavior.

Medications

Currently there is no medication available specifically for this condition. You may be prescribed an antipsychotic drug called pimozide (Orap) to treat distorted thinking. Other drugs that may be used include risperidone (Risperdal) , haloperidol (Haldol) , and olanzapine (Zyprexa) .
Your doctor may also prescribe medications to treat some of your symptoms. For example, you may be given medications to treat anxiety or depression .

Other Treatments

Other treatments, such as group therapy and social skills training, can help you to manage symptoms. Family therapy may also help.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent schizotypal personality disorder.

RESOURCES

Mental Health America http://www.nmha.org

National Institute of Mental Health http://www.nimh.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Mental Health Association http://www.cmha.ca

Canadian Psychiatric Association http://www.cpa-apc.org

References

Personality disorders. Mental Health America website. Available at: http://www.nmha.org/index.cfm?objectId=C7DF8E96-1372-4D20-C87D9CD4FB6BE82F . Accessed June 25, 2007.

Professional Guide to Diseases , 9th ed. Ambler, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009.

Schizotypal personality disorder. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/personality%5Fdisorders/hic%5Fschizotypal%5Fpersonality%5Fdisorder.aspx . Accessed April 1, 2009.

Schizotypal personality disorder. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated May 14, 2008. Accessed April 1, 2009.

Schizotypal personality disorder. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/schizotypal-personality-disorder/DS00830/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs . Accessed April 1, 2009.

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