Description

People with schizotypal personality disorder are often described as odd or eccentric and usually have few, if any, close relationships. Usually, they do not know how the relationships of form, or of how their behavior affects others. They also tend to misinterpret others ' motivations and behaviors, and to a large extent, the mistrust in others.

These problems can lead to severe anxiety and a tendency to stay away from social situations. That's because people with schizotypal personality disorder tend to hold strange beliefs and may find it difficult to correctly respond to social cues.

Schizotypal personality disorder usually diagnosed in early adulthood, although some characteristics of this condition may appear during childhood and adolescence. It is likely to be a lifelong condition. Treatments, such as medication and therapy, can make the symptoms improve.

Symptoms

Schizotypal personality disorder usually includes five or more of these symptoms. The person may:

  • Be a loner and the lack of close friends, and other relationships outside of the immediate family.
  • Have flat emotions or having emotional responses that are limited or not appropriate socially.
  • You have too much social anxiety, which is in progress.
  • Incorrectly interpret events, such as the feeling of something harmless or non-offensive direct that has a personal meaning.
  • Have strange or unusual thinking, beliefs, and / or gestures.
  • Have suspicious or paranoid thoughts and constant doubts about the loyalty of others.
  • Believe in special powers, such as telepathy, mental or superstitions.
  • Have unusual thoughts, such as the detection of a person absent from the presence, or having delusions.
  • Dress in a strange way, such that it appears messy or wear strangely mismatched clothing.
  • Talk about a strange way, as vague or unusual patterns of talk, or wander through strange that while you are speaking.

The symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder, such as an increased interest in the activities that are performed alone or with a high level of social anxiety, can be seen in the teenage years. The child can't do well in school, or appear socially out of step with their peers. This can lead to teasing or bullying.

Schizotypal personality disorder compared with schizophrenia

It is easy to confuse the schizotypal personality disorder with schizophrenia, which is a serious mental health condition, where people struggle with the interpretation and administration of the reality. This is known as psychosis. People with schizotypal personality disorder can have psychotic brief bouts with delusions or hallucinations. But the battles are not so often, as long or as intense as with schizophrenia.

Another key difference is that people with schizotypal personality disorder can generally be made aware of how their distorted ideas differ from reality. People with schizophrenia usually cannot be influenced away from their delusions.

Despite the differences, people with schizotypal personality disorder may benefit from treatments such as those used for schizophrenia. Sometimes the schizotypal personality disorder is thought to be in a schizophrenia spectrum disorder schizotypal personality seen as less serious.

When to see a doctor

People with schizotypal personality disorder are likely to seek help only at the insistence of their friends or family members. Or the people with schizotypal personality disorder you can seek the help of another problem, such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. If you think a friend or family member may have the condition, consider gently suggesting that the person to seek the help of a professional of the health or mental health professional.

If you need immediate help

If you are worried that I might hurt yourself or someone else, go to an emergency department, or call 911 in the united states or the local emergency number immediately. Or in contact with a direct line of suicide. In the united states, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat . The services are free and confidential. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the united states has a Spanish language of the phone line in 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free).

Causes

It is not known what causes the disorder, schizotypal personality. But it is likely that changes in the way the brain works, genetics, environmental factors, and the learned behaviors play a role.

Risk factors

You may be at increased risk of schizotypal personality disorder if a family member has schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder.

Complications

People with schizotypal personality disorder are at greater risk of:

  • Depression.
  • Anxiety.
  • Other personality disorders.
  • Schizophrenia.
  • Temporary psychotic episodes, usually in response to stress.
  • The misuse of alcohol or drugs.
  • Suicide attempts.
  • Problems with work, school and other social relationships.

Diagnosis

People with schizotypal personality disorder you can seek the help of a professional of the health because of other symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or the problems of coping with social situations, or for the treatment of substance abuse.

After a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions, your healthcare provider may refer you to a mental health professional for more help to find out the diagnosis.

The diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder is usually based on:

  • A full discussion of your symptoms and the difficult times that we are having.
  • Your personal and medical history, including treatments that you have had.

Treatment

Treatment for the schizotypal personality disorder often includes psychotherapy and medicine. Many people could be helped by the work and the social activities that are a fit for their personality styles.

Talk therapy

Talk therapy, also called psychotherapy, can help people with schizotypal personality disorder begin to trust in others, and learn coping skills, especially how to handle situations and social relationships. This is done by building a relationship of trust with the therapist.

Psychotherapy may include:

  • The cognitive-behavioral therapy — Discover and challenging negative thought patterns, the learning of specific social skills, and behavior change problem.
  • Supportive therapy — promotion and promotion of adaptive skills.
  • Family therapy — with the participation of the members of the family, which can make the communication and the confidence better and to make people better able to work with other people in the household.

Medications

The Food and Drug Administration has not approved any drug specifically to treat the schizotypal personality disorder. But health professionals may prescribe an antidepressant medication to help alleviate certain symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. Periodically, some people may need to be prescribed an anti-psychotic medication to the direction of hallucinations or delusions. Some medicines can help people think about things in a new way or more than one form, known as the flexibility of thought.

Coping and support

Schizotypal personality disorder is a lifelong condition. Some symptoms may improve over time through experiences that promote positive coping skills. This can increase self-confidence, help to overcome the things that are difficult, and improve the ability to handle social situations.

The factors that are more likely to make some of the symptoms of this condition better include:

  • Getting along with friends and family and in other social situations, such as in the realization of the tasks that bring you into contact with others.
  • The healthy maintenance of daily routines, including having a schedule, after a good sleep routine, exercise, and regularly take prescribed medications at the same time.
  • Have a sense of achievement at school or at work, and other interests or hobbies.

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely to start by seeing your health care professional. But when you call to schedule an appointment, you may be referred to a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Have a friend or family member, if possible. With your permission, someone who has known for a long time, you may be able to help answer questions or share information with the mental health professional that you don't think that for it to appear.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

  • Any symptoms you or your family noticed, and for how long. Ask your friends or family members if you have been feeling concerned about their behavior and what I have noticed.
  • Important personal information, including distressing events of their past and current, main causes of stress. Find out about your family's medical history, including any history of mental illness.
  • Your medical information, including other physical or mental health conditions you have been diagnosed with.
  • All the medicines you take, including the names and doses of the medicines, herbs, vitamins or supplements you take.
  • The substances that are used, including what you smoke or drink, as well as any prescription or recreational drugs that you use.
  • Questions to ask your health practitioner to make the most of your appointment.

Some basic questions to ask include:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms?
  • What are other possible causes of the symptoms?
  • What treatments are most likely to help me?
  • How much can I expect my symptoms improve with treatment?
  • How often should I talk about therapy, and for how long?
  • There are medications that can help?
  • Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
  • If you are recommending medications, what are the possible side effects?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare provider is likely to ask several questions, such as:

  • What are your symptoms?
  • When you or your family first notice these symptoms?
  • How are the symptoms that affect your life?
  • Have the members of your family or friends expressed their concern about his behavior?
  • Do you feel comfortable in social situations? Why or why not?
  • Do you have any close relationship?
  • If you are not satisfied with work, school, or how well you get along with others, what do you think is the cause of your problems?
  • Have you ever thought of harming yourself or others? Have you ever done that?
  • Have you ever felt that other people can control their thoughts or that could influence other people and events through their thoughts?
  • Have any of your close relatives has been diagnosed or treated by a mental health condition?

Your health care professional or mental health professional could ask more questions based on your responses, symptoms, and needs. In the preparation of these questions will help you make the most of your appointment time.

Symptoms and treatment of Schizotypal personality disorder