Schizotypal personality disorder

Schizotypal personality disorder
Schizotypal personality disorder
Other names	Schizotypal disorder
Specialty	Psychiatry, clinical psychology
Symptoms	Ideas of reference, unusual beliefs, perceptual illusions, odd thinking and speech, paranoia, inappropriate affect, strange behavior, social anxiety, dissociation
Complications	Schizophrenia, substance use disorder, major depressive disorder Schizoid Personality Disorder
Usual onset	10–20 years old
Duration	Chronic
Causes	Genetics; childhood neglect; childhood abuse
Risk factors	Family history
Diagnostic method	Based on symptoms
Differential diagnosis	Other cluster A personality disorders, borderline personality disorder, avoidant personality disorder, autism, social anxiety disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dissociative identity disorder
Treatment	Cognitive behavioral therapy, metacognitive therapy, cognitive remediation therapy
Medication	Antipsychotics, antidepressants
Prognosis	Typically poor, although significant improvements can be made
Frequency	Estimated 3% of general population

Schizotypal personality disorder (StPD or SPD), also known as schizotypal disorder, is a cluster A personality disorder characterized by thought disorder, paranoia, a characteristic form of social anxiety, derealization, transient psychosis, and unconventional beliefs as described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Personality disorders that are classified as cluster A are grouped based on traits such as odd and eccentric behavior, which is contrary to cluster B and cluster C personality disorders, which are known for dramatic and anxious behavior. In the International Classification of Diseases, the latest edition of which is the ICD-11, schizotypal disorder is not classified as a personality disorder, but among psychotic disorders.

People with this disorder often feel pronounced discomfort in forming and maintaining social connections with other people, primarily due to the belief that other people harbor negative thoughts and views about them. People with StPD may react oddly in conversations, such as not responding as expected, or talking to themselves. They frequently interpret situations as being strange or having unusual meanings for them; paranormal and superstitious beliefs are common. People with StPD usually disagree with the suggestion that their thoughts and behaviors are a 'disorder' and seek medical attention for depression or anxiety instead. Schizotypal personality disorder occurs in approximately 3% of the general population and is more commonly diagnosed in males.