Schizotypal Personality disorder

Personality disorders are mental health disorders that are defined by established and enduring patterns of behaviour and thinking that interfere with your ability to function and maintain healthy relationships, and in general, impact your life negatively.

There are 10 personality disorders that are divided into 3 clusters:

• Cluster A: Odd or abnormal behaviour
• Cluster B: Dramatic or emotional behaviour
• Cluster C: Anxious or fearful behaviour

Schizotypal personality disorder is categorized under Cluster A (odd or abnormal behaviour) and is characterized by an extreme need to isolate oneself from others, and when forced to interact with loved ones or strangers, the person acts in an unusual or standoffish manner. Schizotypal personality disorder is sometimes a precursor to schizophrenia, although this is not always the case. It can also appear in individuals with other disorders, such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder and social anxiety.

Symptoms & signs of schizotypal personality disorder include:

• Talking to yourself in a public setting
• Inability to be friendly or to form a close rapport with others
• The need to be alone all the time
• Unusual mannerisms and speech
• Seen as eccentric or odd
• Paranoid or superstitious behaviours or beliefs

When is it time to get help?

Like many other mental health and personality disorders, people with schizotypal personality disorder don’t always see that they have a problem – this may be suggested by family, friends, colleagues, etc. However, if you have this personality disorder, then you are likely finding it very difficult to maintain healthy relationships, or even interact with others, which is important to more easily navigate your way in this world. Although this is not schizophrenia, schizotypal personality disorder mimics schizophrenia in that reality can be distorted and you may feel paranoid. This can often lead to issues with anxiety or depression.

If you find these symptoms to be affecting you, and especially if you’ve been told by others that you may have a “problem”, then you would likely benefit from obtaining some support.

Schizotypal personality disorder treatment methods

Treatment methods that may be effective in treating schizotypal personality disorder include:

• Acceptance and commitment therapy encourages clients to accept the difficulties and misfortunes of life. Clients learn coping techniques to not dwell on negative emotions by staying in the present.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach to treatment that focuses on how people’s thoughts, emotions, and beliefs influence their behaviour and how they perceive themselves.
• Psychotherapy is a broad term that encompasses numerous styles of therapy and uses verbal or nonverbal communication with a client to help treat psychiatric problems, behavioral issues, personality disorders, and various other types of emotional distress. This form of personal counselling is based on an interpersonal relationship, as opposed to the alternative chemical or physical forms of therapy.
• Strategic family therapy is a type of therapy where the therapist is a problem-solver and focuses on finding solutions to client’s challenges.
• Structural family therapy involves looking at the structures within the family unit. Changing the underlying structure tends to cause a ripple effect on the family. This therapy analyzes the hierarchical structure, subsystems, and boundaries within the family.

To choose the right combination of treatments, an assessment will first be done. Together with your therapist, you’ll find the treatment method that best suits your unique personality and circumstances.

What will I get out of treatment with Insight Psychological?

By meeting with a therapist, you can learn to manage your schizotypal personality disorder. You will find ways to manage symptoms and understand the impact this disorder has on you and your loved ones and find ways to understand your emotions and fears, and to connect with others. We have knowledgeable and non-judgemental therapists who can support you. Please call us today!