Schizotypal Personality Disorder - Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

The mental health condition schizotypal personality disorder (STPD) is one among the group of conditions popularly known as "Cluster A" personality disorders. This disorder involves eccentric and unusual behaviour in a person. The disorder is typically diagnosed in early adulthood and is likely to last across the lifespan.

However, treatments such as medication and therapy help treat the symptoms in a way that is effective enough. Keep reading to learn more about the disorder.

STPD is a mental condition which involves a consistent pattern of heightened discomfort in social interactions and close relationships. People with this disorder have a distorted view of reality with superstitious and unusual beliefs. They even have odd speech and actions and do not often realise that their behaviour may cause problems. The condition is often marked with a consistent detachment pattern and developing general disinterest in socialising as they experience grave discomfort in doing so.

People with STPD may misinterpret the motives and behaviour of other people towards them and hence develop a high distrust of others. STPD, additionally, may nurture the following symptoms:

• Experiencing excessive and persistent social anxiety
• Having paranoid and suspicious thoughts and constantly doubting others
• Believing in special powers such as telepathy
• Having experiences that are paranormal in nature associated with illusions
• Incorrectly interpreting harmless or inoffensive acts of other people
• Have a lack of motivation
• Cannot respond appropriately to social cues, such as looking in the eyes when conversing
• Follows odd thoughts and speech without any concrete phrases
• Have a unique sense of mannerisms and behaviour
• Do not have any confidants or close relatives

An increased interest in sole activities and high levels of anxiety socially are also witnessed in patients in their teenage years.

STPD is not triggered by one specific factor; rather, varied external and bodily factors lead to the condition. Some varied causative factors of the condition are listed below:

• Traumatic experiences and malfunction in the brain 
• A family history of schizophrenia or other mental illnesses
• Having illnesses or injuries before or during birth
• Experiences of abuse or neglect during childhood
• A history of periods of delusions and psychotic breakouts

Abnormalities in the brain's chemistry or its structure lead to the condition in many known instances.

There are two factors that increase the risk of individuals developing Schizotypal Personality Disorder:

• Genetics: You have a family member who is suffering from schizophrenia, schizotypal personality disorder and other similar disorders.
• Environmental Factor: Any instances of neglect, trauma, stress and other in childhood increases the risk of developing this personality disorder.

STPD may slowly lead to schizophrenia if left untreated, making it one of the major factors of threat. In addition, 5 other threats relating to STPD are:

• People with STPD have an increased risk of attempting suicide.
• May give in to practising drugs, alcohol, etc., excessively.
• Experiences of psychotic episodes in response to distress and discomfort.
• Onset of depression and anxiety.
• Become socially isolated, preferring to stay indoors and cutting external interactions.

Practising mental healthcare professionals diagnose the disorder properly. It may include the following 3 processes:

• Performing a thorough interview of the patient
• Taking into account medical and personal histories
• Comparing a person’s condition to recorded symptoms of the disorder (records of symptoms of the medical conditions till date)

Seeking medical help in the initial stages may include visiting a primary care doctor who may recommend further intervention by a mental health care expert.

A person with STDP may find it difficult to seek the right treatment confusing it with other related mental conditions such as anxiety and depression. However, proper treatment of the condition entails the following 2 processes:

1. Psychotherapy

This therapy aims at altering styles of relationships, coping patterns, thinking and behaviour changes. The therapy includes the following processes:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Supportive therapy
• Supportive-expressive therapy
• Family therapy

2. Medication

Medications are prescribed to people with STPD having other associated conditions such as OCD, anxiety, and depression. These may include:

• Antipsychotics (risperidone)
• Stimulants (methylphenidate)
• Guanfacine
• Benzodiazepines
• Gabapentin

It is necessary to analyse the symptoms thoroughly before availing of treatment by consulting a practising healthcare expert at the earliest.

It isn't easy to diagnose the condition in its initial stages as it is often misunderstood for other mental distresses. However, observing the following 5 early signs may indicate the onset of STDP and suggest immediate actions to be taken:

• Sudden onset of exaggerated and absurd behaviour
• Irritation with sounds and noises
• Seeking solitude
• Being distant in relationships
• Homesickness

Though STDP may last a lifetime, the right treatment sought at the right time may help a person cope with the condition gradually, and the person may begin to live normally as others. These processes include proper therapy or counselling and medications.

Apart from that, the following few healthy habits provide additional help:

• Following a healthy schedule that  includes- sleeping well, exercising, and maintaining a healthy diet
• Maintaining positive relationships with family and friends
• Taking part in extracurricular activities. 

A person with a history of schizotypal personality disorder may experience stress and have feelings of anxiousness. Hence they require special care and attention preventing further deterioration of their mental health.