Symptoms:

People with schizotypal personality disorder may be severely disturbed. Their odd behavior may resemble that of people with schizophrenia. For example, they may also have unusual preoccupations and fears, such as fears of being monitored by government agencies.

More commonly, however, people with schizotypal personality disorder behave oddly and have unusual beliefs (aliens, witchcraft, etc.). They cling to these beliefs so strongly that it isolates them from normal relationships.

Full-blown hallucinations are unusual. However, people with schizotypal personality disorder are upset by their difficulty in forming and maintaining close relationships.

Signs and tests:

Some of the common signs of schizotypal personality disorder include the following:

• Discomfort in social situations
• Odd beliefs, fantasies, or preoccupations
• Odd behavior or appearance
• Odd speech
• No close friends
• Inappropriate displays of feelings

Treatment:

Some people may be helped by antipsychotic medications, but in many cases talk therapy is preferred.

Expectations (prognosis):

Schizotypal personality disorder is usually a long-term (chronic) illness. The outcome of treatment varies based on the severity of the disorder.

Complications:

• Poor social skills
• Lack of interpersonal relationships

Calling your health care provider:

Talk to your health care provider or mental health professional if:

• You have trouble forming and keeping relationships due to unusual beliefs
• You suspect that your child may have this problem

Prevention:

There is no known prevention. Awareness of risk, such as a family history of schizophrenia, may allow early diagnosis.