Schizotypal Personality Disorder Treatment

What are Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorders?

At the most basic level the difference between SPD and StPD is that sufferers of the former can be aware of the difference between their distorted ideas and reality; however, those suffering from Schizotypal Personality Disorder are more likely to lose contact with reality. Both Schizoid Personality Disorder and Schizotypal Personality Disorder differ from a diagnosis of Schizophrenia in that the psychosis sufferers manifest last for less time than in a typical Schizophrenic episode. Generally, both SPD and StPD are viewed as on the same spectrum as Schizophrenia but less severe.

Needless to say, the differences and similarities between all three can be very hard for the non-professional to understand or identify. Given that they all represent serious mental health conditions formal diagnosis should always be made by a properly trained mental health specialist rather than your usual GP.

People unfortunate enough to be suffering from SPD or StPD can exhibit a range of symptoms (more which in the ‘Symptoms’ section below. However, as a general rule of thumb, both will cause the sufferer to have significant problems with relationships and both will likely cause the affected individual to shy away from or avoid others entirely. As many sufferers are having problems differentiating distorted thoughts, beliefs and, in the case of Schizotypal Personality disorder, disturbing hallucinations it is highly unlikely that they will seek medical help on their own. Very often, friends and family are often in a much better position to identify an individual’s unusual behaviours and beliefs as being outside the normal spectrum and will choose to either persuade the affected party to seek help or seek help themselves on that person’s behalf. In the case of StPD, individuals may be very suspicious and distrustful of others – making it difficult for friends or family to convince them that they require professional help.

Recognising symptoms of Schizoid and Schizotypal Disorders

As briefly outlined above Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorders sound quite similar they are different enough to be classed as separate disorders. Hence, it is important that to avoid confusion, the symptoms are differentiated here.

Symptoms of Schizoid Personality Disorder include:

Experiences significant difficulties in establishing and maintaining any kind of relationship with others – even to close family members
Can appear distant, cold or aloof from others – often sufferers will have difficulty showing any emotion even in what others might perceive as extreme circumstances.
Lacks any apparent change in moods, being unaffected by either praise or criticism
Poor communication and interpersonal skills – may be seen as terse, dismissive or abrupt with no apparent thought for others feelings.
Avoids activities which include interacting with others – this may result in them being unable to work or socialise. In addition, they very often choose solitary activities
Has a low to non-existent sexual drive
Has great difficulty taking any enjoyment out of life or events. May seem almost robotic in their lack of emotions.
Due to their lack of emotional involvement and motivation sufferers may struggle to set or achieve any goals
Considers themselves to be ‘observers’ of life rather than actually taking part in anything
Can exhibit anxiety and an inability to cope if forced into situations where they must socialise

Symptoms of Schizotypal Personality Disorder include:

Often has very odd beliefs about their self, others or the world around them – These can include preoccupation with or intricate fantasies around a range of topics. Sufferers may believe that they ‘superpowers’ such as an ability to read minds, are in mental contact with aliens, are the victims of witchcraft or are being persecuted or pursued by sinister forces or government agencies, etc. However, sufferers may be secretive regarding these beliefs and consequently may display symptoms of paranoia which are more apparent
Speaks in an odd manner which is noticeably eccentric
Personal behaviours and appearance are often highly unusual, strange or peculiar
Has great difficulty establishing or maintaining relationships outside of immediate family or relatives
Is highly uncomfortable in social situations displaying signs of anxiety and/or agitation
May present with inappropriate displays of emotion
Unusual bodily perceptions including illusions

As with many mental health conditions symptoms can present during adolescence, although it is more typical for diagnosis to be made during adulthood. Both SPD and StPD suffers can find themselves isolated and alone in social groups, hence they may stand out as being very ‘different’ from their peers, meaning they may be teased or even bullied while at school.

In terms of its occurrence, both conditions are quite rare with Schizoid Personality Disorder appearing between 3% to 5% of the population and Schizotypal Personality Disorder appearing at just under 4% of all people. Interestingly, both sexes are equally affected by the Schizotypal disorder, while more men than women suffer from the Schizoid form.

As with many mental health conditions young people typically display more severe symptoms than older patients, sufferers in their 40s and 50s experiencing fewer of the most extreme traits of either personality disorder.

The causes of Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorders

Treatment of Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorders

People suffering from either of these disorders can feel reassured that effective treatment is available. Generally, this revolves around talking therapies but specifically Psychotherapy with an experienced professional. This treatment is usually of a long-term and on-going nature. Medication can also be helpful in alleviating, minimising or reducing symptoms, especially those such as anxiety, depression or hallucinations.

Both Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorders are typified by some troubling symptoms. People who suffer from either of these conditions should be encouraged that that with professional help their life can be made easier and in-roads made into dealing with these disorders on a daily basis. While everyone’s experience is different there is currently a massive amount of research being done into the biology and therapeutic interventions designed to improve both treatment and people’s quality of life.

Although there are no reliable figures as to what percentage fully recover there are treatments available to enable those affected to successfully manage symptoms for the rest of their lives.

Tell us your experiences with Schizoid and Schizotypal Disorders

Do you, or someone you know, suffer from Schizoid or Schizotypal Personality Disorder? Do you suspect that you suffer from this condition or have you been formally diagnosed? We would be delighted to hear from you about your own personal experiences or of those of your family and friends. Everyone’s experience of these difficult and challenging conditions is different and sharing your story could do much to help others. How have you learned to cope with your symptoms? What kind of impact does it have on your friendships, family, relationships, working life or search for employment? Everyone’s experiences will be different but you may be surprised at the similarities too.

Why not take a moment now to leave your messages, thoughts, tips and personal comments below. We are very grateful for any comment you’d like to make on this article.

Lastly, if you believe that you or someone you know may have Schizoid or Schizotypal Personality Disorder why not get in touch with us now? We can promise a friendly, understanding and no obligation chat about how talking treatments can help in enabling you to live with either of these serious and debilitating conditions.

Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorders: A Confusing, Volatile World