Schizotypal personality disorder (STPD) is a mental health problem characterized by intense discomfort that occurs consistently in close relationships and social interactions. Some people with schizotypal go on to develop schizophrenia. However, there are still many cases that ultimately do not meet the criteria for the diagnosis of schizophrenia.
A person with STPD has a distorted view of reality, is superstitious, and has unusual behavior. This causes him to exhibit unusual behavior, speak strangely, and have magical beliefs. The whole behavior they consider is a normal thing.
People with STPD tend to have distorted meanings, believe in magical things, and behave in unusual ways
Schizotypal vs. Schizoid vs Schizophrenia
The terms are similar, but they are different. Schizotypal personality disorder is a form of intense discomfort with personal relationships. A schizoid personality disorder is a consistent detachment and disinterest in social relationships. In comparison, schizophrenia is a more serious condition. However, its symptoms are similar to those of the two previous personality disorders.
Signs
People with schizotypal personality disorder experience many difficulties related to relationships with others, such as forming close relationships or maintaining them, because they have a distorted interpretation of social interactions. They also tend to behave strangely. Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, there are 9 symptoms, namely:
- The idea of reference: Misinterpreting an ordinary situation as something that has special meaning to itself.
- Have strange beliefs: Have magical beliefs, such as the belief that he has a sixth sense.
- Distorted perception (distortion): interpreting things in a way that is different from others, such as seeing shadows or hearing voices that other people cannot hear.
- Odd ways of communicating: using phrases that are too abstract or using words in an unusual way that others don't understand.
- Paranoia: suspicious of other people, such as a coworker who looks like he will get fired on purpose.
- Inappropriate responses and apathy refer to unusual and unexpected reactions to those around them, such as turning a straight face when there is a joke.
- Behaving oddly: dressing quirky, having unusual hairstyles, or combining bright colors.
- Social isolation: less interested in building a social relationship with others, such as preferring to be alone.
- Social anxiety: feeling different from the people around you even though that is just their opinion of themselves, making it difficult to establish relationships at work, even with their own family members.
It is difficult for people with STPD to get close to other people
Causes
Because schizotypal personality disorder is rarely found, the exact cause is still uncertain because it has not been widely studied. But many experts think it may be due to biological and genetic factors. This is because the condition is commonly found in biological relatives with schizophrenia or eccentric personality disorders.
Diagnosis
Schizotypal personality disorder usually begins in adolescence and can only be diagnosed after the age of 18 years. This personality disorder is rare because many people feel nothing is wrong with their thinking or behavior. They more often come to consult when experiencing stress or depression.
The psychologist or psychiatrist will generally ask several questions, including childhood experiences, relationships with other people, work history, and reality tests. Collaboration with family or close friends may be needed to gather more information about the behavior.
Treatment
The main option for treating schizotypal is psychotherapy, such as group therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. In addition, there is also the administration of low-dose antipsychotic medication to treat symptoms around weird thoughts, abstract speech, depression, anxiety, or impulsivity.
So, a person with schizotypal personality disorder has a distorted view of reality or is superstitious and tends to behave unusually, or others find him eccentric. This condition makes it difficult for him to build relationships with the people around him. Let's read other Fitie articles. What topic are you interested in, Ladies?