|
|
People suffering with Schizotypal Personality Disorder generally exhibit a range of problems marked by extreme discomfort involving relationships, and odd patterns of thinking and perceiving, along with eccentric behaviors (APA 2013). They tend to have few close friends, are anxious and distrusting around strangers and are comfortable when in isolation.
Examples of Odd Behaviors
The thoughts and behaviors of people wth schizotypal personality disorder can be noticeably emotionless and disturbed. Symptoms may include ideas such as believing that certain events only pertain to them in some important way, and bodily illusions such as seeing some extreme force or presence. Some claim they have special extrasensory abilities. According to a 2005 Gallup Poll, seventy-three percent of Americans believe in some sort of paranormal or occult extrasensory perception or ESP, as in communicating with the dead or ghosts.
Repeated Rearrangement
Some examples of schizotypal eccentric behavior may include repeatedly arranging cans to neatly align their labels, organizing closets extensively (rows of shoes), or wearing odd, unmatched clothing. Their emotions may seem flat, humorless and inappropriate. It is estimated that between two to four percent of all people have a schizotypal personality disorder, with slightly more males than females. (Paris, 2010; Mattia & Zimmerman 2001)
Family Conflict Link
The fact that symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder are so similar to schizophrenia causes researchers to believe that similar factors are involved in both disorders. (Chemerinski & Siever 2011) Both are often linked to family conflicts and to psychological disorders in parents. (Millon & Grossman 2007; Carlson & Fish 2005) Similar defects in attention and short-term memory may also contribute to schizotypal personality disorder, just as they do to schizophrenia. (Goldstein et al., 2011)
Physical Markers
Researchers also link high levels of activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine, enlarged brain ventricles, small temporal lobes, and loss of gray matter with schizotypal personality disorder, just as in schizophrenia. (Hazlett et al., 2011) There are indications that these biological factors may be genetic in nature.
Resistance to Therapy
Therapy is as difficult in cases of schizotypal personality disorder as it is in schizophrenia patients, because peope tend to resist any treatment at all. Anti-psychotic drugs are often prescribed in lower doses because of the similar characteristics to schizophrenia, and appear to help.
This report is not a diagnosis. We hope this information can guide you into improving your life.
Review our Knowledge Base or the links displayed on this page for similar and related topics.