PERSONALITY DISORDERS

Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Schizotypal personality disorder is a mental disorder subsumed under the 10 personality disorders. Specifically, it is categorised under Cluster A (including Paranoid personality disorder, Schizoid personality disorder and Schizotypal personality disorder) – the odd, eccentric cluster. People with personality disorders classified under Cluster A may seem to be peculiar or strange in the eyes of others.

People with schizotypal personality disorders typically have interpersonal difficulties, and have serious doubts and misinterpretations over other’s motivations. These result in severe social anxiety where they find it difficult to trust others and form intimate relationships. 

Symptoms

Here are the symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder:

Ψ Extreme and persistent social anxiety that is primarily linked to paranoia rather than negative judgements of self
Ψ Persistent pattern of intense discomfort or fear with closeness and intimacy
Ψ Lack of close friends and confidants
Ψ Unusual perceptional experiences (e.g. hearing people talk about them)
Ψ Suspicious attitudes or paranoid ideation
Ψ Odd beliefs and magical thinking (e.g. believe in people reading their minds, superstition, or telepathy)
Ψ Odd, eccentric, or peculiar behavior or appearance
Ψ Inappropriate, flat or limited affect

How Does Schizotypal Personality Disorder Develop?

Both genetic and environment factors increase the probability of an individual developing schizotypal personality disorder.

Genetic factors:

Ψ Family history: Individuals with a 1st-degree relative with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders are at higher risk of developing schizotypal personality disorder
Ψ Mothers smoking during pregnancy: Babies born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy are at higher risk of developing schizotypal personality disorder later on in life.

Environmental factors:

Ψ History of abuse: Individuals who were victims of abuse in their childhood (e.g. physical abuse or sexual abuse) are at a higher risk of developing schizotypal personality disorder.
Ψ Events that triggers of social anxiety, paranoia and odd beliefs: Any incident that triggers social anxiety, paranoid thoughts and odd beliefs (which are symptoms of schizotypal disorder) can also contribute to the onset of the disorder.

Comorbidity

Schizotypal personality disorder has high rates of comorbidity with substance use disorders, anxiety disorders (e.g. generalized anxiety disorder), mood disorders (e.g. major depressive disorder), and other personality disorders (e.g. borderline personality disorder) as well.

Schizophrenia VS Schizotypal VS Schizoid Personality Disorder

Myths of Schizotypal Personality Disorder

There are many myths and misconceptions revolving schizotypal personality disorder. Here’s what it truly is! 

“I have not heard of schizotypal personality disorder before. It must be rare.” 

Schizotypal personality disorder actually has a higher prevalence rate than other personality disorders, such as dependent personality disorder and avoidant personality disorder. In fact, the lifetime prevalence rate of schizotypal personality disorder has found to be approximately 4% in the United States, with higher rates among males (4.2%) than females (3.7%). 

“You can’t address schizotypal personality disorder” 

There are therapy options available for people with schizotypal personality disorder. Prognosis of the therapy is different for everyone, but it improves if therapy starts earlier, and if the person is receptive and participative during the therapy sessions. So, what are some therapy options available?  

Can Schizotypal Personality Disorder be Managed?

Psychotherapy can be used to help people cope with schizotypal personality disorder.  

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) 

During CBT sessions, people are able to learn skills that deals with their cognitive distortions and negative emotions. They will learn to identify what may be the perpetuating thoughts or behaviors that may have caused the disorder to persist, and come up with ways to change those thoughts and behaviors. Social skills are also taught in CBT, which will help people with schizotypal personality disorder better cope with their anxiety in social situations.  

Supportive therapy 

Supportive therapy mainly serves to encourage and listen to the concerns of people with schizotypal personality disorder. As people with schizotypal personality disorder often lack a confidant or close friend, having someone to listen to their worries may assure them that there is someone who they consult and approach for help. Through verbal give-and-take in the sessions, people with schizotypal personality disorder can also practice effective communication skills.     

Family therapy  

Support from family members are also essential in helping people cope with schizotypal personality disorder. In family therapy, family members can learn how to create a safe environment for their family members with schizotypal personality disorder. Involving family members in therapy session can also help them understand more about the disorder and how they can better support their family member.