Schizotypal personality disorder

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Schizotypal personality disorder
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Social anxiety, paranoia, eccentric behavior, unusual beliefs
Complications	N/A
Onset	Adolescence or early adulthood
Duration	Long-term
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic and environmental factors
Risks	Family history of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders
Diagnosis	Clinical assessment
Differential diagnosis	Schizophrenia, schizoid personality disorder, paranoid personality disorder
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Psychotherapy, medication
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable; some improvement with treatment
Frequency	Approximately 3.9% of the general population
Deaths	N/A

Schizotypal personality disorder (STPD) or schizotypal disorder is a mental disorder characterized by severe social anxiety, thought disorder, paranoid ideation, derealization, transient psychosis, and often unconventional beliefs. People with this disorder feel extreme discomfort with maintaining close relationships with people, mainly because they think that their peers harbor negative thoughts towards them, so they avoid forming them. Peculiar speech mannerisms and odd modes of dress are also symptoms of this disorder. Those with STPD may react oddly in conversations, not respond, or talk to themselves.

Symptoms and signs

The symptoms of Schizotypal personality disorder can be broadly categorized into two groups: Interpersonal symptoms and Cognitive-perceptual symptoms. Interpersonal symptoms include social anxiety and a lack of or discomfort with close relationships. Cognitive-perceptual symptoms include odd beliefs or magical thinking, unusual perceptual experiences, and odd thinking and speech.

Causes

The exact causes of Schizotypal personality disorder are not known, but a combination of genetic factors, early environmental influences, and learned behavior is suspected. It is believed that the disorder may be related to the genetic structure of individuals, making them predisposed to develop the disorder.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Schizotypal personality disorder is based on a clinical assessment by a mental health professional. The assessment includes a thorough interview, a review of past medical and psychiatric history, and a mental status examination.

Treatment

Treatment for Schizotypal personality disorder typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication. Psychotherapy is often used to help individuals with STPD develop social skills and reduce social anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help individuals with the disorder to reduce the occurrence of odd or bizarre thoughts and perceptions.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with Schizotypal personality disorder varies. Some individuals may lead relatively normal lives, while others may require ongoing treatment and support.

Schizotypal personality disorder images

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  Rotating snakes illusion
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  Risperidone 3D balls
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  Cognitive behavioral therapy - basic tenets

See also

• Schizophrenia
• Personality disorder
• Mental health

References

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