What is Schizotypal Personality Disorder?
Schizotypal personality disorder is a chronic condition characterized by a pervasive pattern of distorted thought, behavior, and functioning. This type of personality disorder is thought to affect approximately three-percent of adults in the United States. Individuals with this disorder are more prone to experience depression and psychotic disorders.Symptoms of Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Individuals with schizotypal personality disorder typically experience:- Eccentric perceptions, thoughts, and behaviors.
- "Magical thinking" including saying they can read minds or can foretell the future.
- Major difficulties in forming relationships.
- Severe social anxiety that does not diminish with time or familiarity.
- May talk to themselves, ignore others, or react inappropriately.
Treatments for Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Schizotypal personality disorder is usually treated with psychotherapy. A number of different approaches may be employed, including psychodynamic therapies or behavioral therapy. Personality disorders produce distorted patterns of thought, so cognitive-behavioral therapy is often a particularly effective treatment. This approach helps individuals develop more accurate thought patterns and more adaptive behaviors.Psychotherapy is sometimes used in combination with drug treatments. Commonly used medications include antidepressants, anti-psychotics, and anti-anxiety drugs. However, medications are best used in combination with some form of psychotherapy and are not recommended as a sole treatment for personality disorders.
Further Reading:
Overview of Personality Disorders
