Schizotypal personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of intense discomfort with and reduced capacity for close relationships, by distorted cognition and perceptions, and by eccentric behavior. Diagnosis is by clinical criteria. Treatment is with antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants and cognitive-behavioral
therapy. In schizotypal personality disorder, cognitive experiences reflect a more florid departure from reality [eg, ideas of reference, paranoid ideas, bodily illusions, magical thinking] and a greater disorganization of thought and speech than occurs in other personality disorders. Reported prevalence of schizotypal personality disorder varies, but estimated prevalence is about 3.9% of the general US population. This disorder may be slightly more common among men. Patients with schizotypal personality disorder do not have close friends or confidants, except for 1st-degree relatives, They are very uncomfortable relating to people. They interact with people if they have to but prefer not to because they feel
like they are different and do not belong. However, they may say their lack of relationships makes them unhappy. They are very anxious in social situations, especially unfamiliar ones. Spending more time in a situation does not ease their anxiety. These patients often incorrectly interpret ordinary occurrences as having special meaning for them [ideas of reference]. They may be superstitious or think they have special paranormal powers that enable them to sense events before they happen or
to read other people's minds. They may think that they have magical control over others, thinking that they cause other people to do ordinary things [eg, feeding the dog], or that performing magical rituals can prevent harm [eg, washing their hands 3 times can prevent illness]. Speech may be odd. It may be excessively abstract or concrete or contain odd phrases or use phrases or words in odd ways. Patients with schizotypal personality disorder often dress oddly or in an unkempt way [eg,
wearing ill-fitting or dirty clothes] and have odd mannerisms. They may ignore ordinary social conventions [eg, not make eye contact], and because they do not understand usual social cues, they may interact with others inappropriately or stiffly. Patients with schizotypal personality disorder are often suspicious and may think others are out to get them. Clinical criteria
[Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition [DSM-5]] Symptoms and Signs ofSTPD
For a diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder, patients must have
A persistent pattern of intense discomfort with and decreased capacity for close relationships
Cognitive or perceptual distortions and eccentricities of behavior
This pattern is shown by the presence of ≥ 5 of the following:
Ideas of reference [notions that everyday occurrences have special meaning or significance personally intended for or directed to themselves] but not delusions of reference [which are similar but held with greater conviction]
Odd beliefs or magical thinking [eg, believing in clairvoyance, telepathy, or a sixth sense; being preoccupied with paranormal phenomena]
Unusual perceptional experiences [eg, hearing a voice whispering their name]
Odd thought and speech [eg, that is vague, metaphorical, excessively elaborate, or stereotyped]
Suspicions or paranoid thoughts
Incongruous or limited affect
Odd, eccentric, or peculiar behavior and/or appearance
Lack of close friends or confidants, except for 1st-degree relatives
Excessive social anxiety that does not lessen with familiarity and is related mainly to paranoid fears
Also, symptoms must have begun by early adulthood.
The primary diagnostic challenge is to differentiate schizotypal personality disorder from
Major thought disorders: These disorders [eg, schizophrenia Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is characterized by psychosis [loss of contact with reality], hallucinations [false perceptions], delusions [false beliefs], disorganized speech and behavior, flattened affect... read more , bipolar disorder Bipolar Disorders Bipolar disorders are characterized by episodes of mania and depression, which may alternate, although many patients have a predominance of one or the other. Exact cause is unknown, but heredity... read more , or depressive disorder Specifiers Depressive disorders are characterized by sadness severe enough or persistent enough to interfere with function and often by decreased interest or pleasure in activities. Exact cause is unknown... read more with psychotic features] typically have more severe manifestations and are accompanied by delusions and hallucinations.
Differential diagnosis also includes the following:
Atypical [2nd-generation] antipsychotic drugs and antidepressants
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on acquiring social skills and managing anxiety can help. Such therapy can also increase patients' awareness of how their own behavior may be perceived.
Supportive psychotherapy is also useful. The goal is to establish an emotional, encouraging, supportive relationship with the patient and thus help the patient develop healthy defense mechanisms, especially in interpersonal relationships.
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