People with schizotypal personality disorder find it difficult to make any meaningful relationship, have reference ideas, and many cognitive distortions. They have odd magical beliefs, their thinking is much influenced by ideas of telepathy, clairvoyance, and magic.
Their speech is found as stereotyped, perceptual illusions and metaphorical in nature.
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Diagnostic criteria for schizotypal personality disorder
Essential symptom of discomfort in forming close relationships and having cognitive and perceptual distortions.
- Ideas of reference– incorrect interpretations about events and people, finding unusual meaning in them
- Superstitious delusions– they believe in paranormal activities to a great extent that they believe they influence their everyday life. Believe they have special or supernatural powers
- Eccentric thoughts– believing as an event has occurred because of their thinking (someone visited their home only because he/she had thought about them earlier)
- Eccentric rituals- doing/believing activities of odd nature (from doing a task twice to avoid harmful circumstances to sacrificing someone to gain/avoid something)
Risk factors
- Individuals with a schizotypal personality disorder do not communicate effectively and as a result, they are poor in negotiating and forming good relationships.
- They are labeled as odd, eccentric due to their speech and mannerisms.
- They are usually avoided during any social conventions.
- They may experience transient psychotic episodes
Causes
In general population, having a family member with Schizophrenia increases the chances of having this disorder.
Note: Before diagnosing a person with Schizotypal, his/her distortions must be evaluated with cultural and religious beliefs by an outsider.
Treatment
Treatment for schizotypal personality disorder is the management of symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression they experience. This can be by medications and psychotherapy. Anti-psychotics may be prescribed for the management of any major distortions.