Overview

A schizotypal personality disorder is an eccentric personality disorder characterized by mental distortions and discomforts with close relationships. The pattern of cognitive distortion of behavior typically begins by early adulthood and is likely to endure across the lifespan. The individual with Schizotypal personality disorder may develop severe anxiety in social gatherings and often tend to lead solitary lives. This article discusses the general overview, causes, symptoms, and treatment of Schizotypal personality disorder.

What is Meant by Schizotypal personality disorder?

Schizotypal personality disorder (STPD), also known as Schizotypal disorder, is a behavioral disorder. Individuals with STPD may have thought disorders, negative thinking, paranoia (unrealistic distrust), and social anxiety. They often get identified to have eccentric or odd behavior. If left untreated Schizotypal personality disorder can lead to serious life-threatening complications including, chronic depression, low-self esteem, or suicidal behavior.

What Causes Schizotypal Personality disorder?

Although there is no specific cause for Schizotypal personality disorder, several factors and conditions can contribute to STPD behavior. Some of the possible factors associated with STPD includes,

• Social stressors such as a negative environment

• Psychological strains

• Physical disabilities

• Neurological disorders

• Genetic factor- hereditary cause

• Parental or childhood trauma

• An adverse effect of medication

• Addiction

What Are the Symptoms of Schizotypal Personality disorder?

The signs and symptoms of Schizotypal personality disorder vary from person to person. Some of the most prominent symptoms of STPD include,

• Eccentric behavior

• Discomfort in a social gathering

• Lack of friends

• Paranoid thinking- constant doubts and mistrust

• Preoccupied thoughts and assumptions

• Lack of emotions 

• Unusual beliefs

• Social awkwardness and low-self esteem

• Solitary activities 

• Lack of motivation

When to Consult a Doctor for Schizotypal Personality disorder?

If you suspect or experience any one or more of the below-mentioned symptoms. It is always better to have a consultation with a mental health professional at the earliest to reduce the complexity of the condition. 

• Suicidal thoughts

• Feeling empty all the time

• Persistent anxiety 

• Sudden change in behavior

• Sudden episodes of wanted anger

• Dysthymia- chronic depression disorder

At Apollo Hospital, our expert team of psychiatrists and mental health professionals is committed to providing holistic care for your Schizotypal personality disorder.

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What Are the Treatment Options for Schizotypal Personality disorder?

There is no standard approach to treat STPD. However, few therapies can help the individual with STPD to manage their symptoms. These therapeutic options are subjective and usually decided upon the basis of various parameters such as the age, patient`s health, and severity of the STPD conditions. 

Some of the treatment method that your doctor may recommend includes,

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: It is a psycho-social intervention treatment that may help the STPD individual to identify and change underlying thought patterns. Cognitive behavior therapy may help you feel better about your present condition.

• Support Therapy: It is talk therapy, where individuals with STPD are allowed to vent out of their inner emotions. Support therapy may also help you cope up with the stressor (factors causing stress) and challenges.

• Support-Expressive Therapy: It is similar to that of Support therapy. Here the psychologist creates a positive, empathic relation with the patient. It helps patients to regain control over their emotions.

• Family Therapy: It is psychotherapy that deals with the treatment of interpersonal relationship problems. Consulting a family therapist may help you to distress from symptoms caused by conflicts in relationships.

• Medications for STPD: Currently, no medications are approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to treat Schizotypal personality disorder. However, some antidepressant drugs such as Fluoxetine, Citalopram, and Escitalopram can help patients relieve the stress associated with the STPD.

Conclusion

A schizotypal personality disorder is a fairly common personality disorder characterized by eccentric and odd public behavior. Although STPD individuals suffer lifelong behavioral problems, through proper treatment and psychological support therapies, they can lead a productive life and get integrated with society.