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Schizotypal personality disorder
Definition:
A pattern of deficiency in interpersonal relationships and disturbances in thought patterns, appearance, and behavior.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause is unknown, but there is an increased incidence in relatives of schizophrenics.
Symptoms:

People with this disorder may be severely disturbed and may resemble those with schizophrenia; more commonly, however, patients behave only mildly oddly, having unusual beliefs (aliens, witchcraft, etc) that they cling to so strongly that it isolates them from normal relationships. Hallucinations are unusual.

  • discomfort in social situations
  • odd beliefs, fantasies or preoccupations
  • odd behavior or appearance
  • odd speech
  • no close friends
  • inappropriate display of feelings
  • suspicious or paranoid
Signs and tests:
  • history from relatives
  • observation of behavior
  • psychological evaluation
Treatment:

Some people may be helped by antipsychotic medications, but in many cases therapy is preferred.
Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies with the severity of the disorder. It is usually chronic.
Complications:
  • poor social skills
  • lack of interpersonal relationships
Calling your health care provider:

Talk to your health care provider or mental health professional if you have trouble forming and keeping relationships due to unusual beliefs.
Prevention:

There is no known prevention. Awareness of risk, such as a family history of schizophrenia, may allow early diagnosis.
Review Date: 5/20/2001
Reviewed By: Christos Ballas, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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