How to recognize schizotypal personality disorder and what to do next

What is Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Schizotypal personality disorder is a mental disorderF21 Schizotypal disorder / ICD-10 , in which a person, at first glance, absolutely healthy and socially adapted, demonstrates pronounced oddities in behavior. For example, they regularly behave too defiantly or tactlessly. Or it is too much eccentric - to such an extent that it scares and even repels others.

The person with schizotypal disorder feels that something is wrong in his relationship with others. However, unable to understandSchizotypal personality disorder / Mayo Clinic, what is the reason. In order to somehow explain the problems in relationships, he creates for himself a kind of alternative reality in which the people around him envy him and his talents, wish bad things. Why are there people - in the ideas of such a person, the whole world is full of evil forces that want to poison his life, a representative of the good side.

How to recognize schizotypal personality disorder

Eccentricity or distrust of others does not mean that a person has schizotypal disorder. The diagnosis can only be predicted if it demonstrates at least fiveSchizotypal personality disorder / Mayo Clinic of the ten most characteristic symptoms of the disorder. Here they are:

1. Loneliness tendency, lack of trusting relationships with someone outside the family.
2. Inappropriate, inappropriate emotional reactions. For example, a person might laugh out loud at a funeral by accidentally recalling a funny scene involving the deceased. Or stay gloomy and displeased when everyone is happy.
3. Excessive and persistent social anxiety. Offended position “no one can understand and appreciate me”.
4. Inadequate interpretation of events around. They are given excessive personal importance. For example, a person is sure that if neighbors have started repairs, it is solely to annoy him with noise and dust. And if someone from your acquaintances did not accidentally say hello on the street, it was definitely because he wanted to express his hatred.
5. Eccentric Beliefs and Manners. For example, a person with an upset can be sure that they are being followed by special services. Or that it is always necessary for acquaintances to speak the truth in the face - and to do it straightforwardly, even to the point of being tactless.
6. Suspiciousness of others. Even if someone you know is genuinely trying to please or help, the person with schizotypal disorder will look for malicious intent in their motives.
7. Belief in personal supernatural abilities. “I see through and through everyone”, “I have prophetic dreams”, “I have magical abilities, I curse it - it won't seem a little” - this is a conviction from the schizotypic arsenal.
8. Experiencing unusual sensations. A person can claim that he feels the presence of someone who is actually very far away. Or tell them that they physically feel the approach of danger.
9. Peculiar appearance. For example, tousled hair of a bright color. Unusually matched or deliberately unkempt clothing. The confidence that you can not wash for months and be proud of the natural body odor.
10. Unusual manner of speaking. Suppose a person can mumble something incoherently to the side. Or speak while singing words.

How Schizotypal Personality Disorder Differs from Schizophrenia

Some manifestations of schizotypal disorder do resembleF21 Schizotypal disorder / ICD-10  symptoms schizophrenia. For example, the same sincere belief that caring relatives really only think how to add poison.

For this reason, schizotypy is sometimes considered a mild, milder form of schizophrenia.

However, there is a subtle differenceSchizotypal personality disorder / Mayo Clinic. If a schizophrenic lives in a world full of delusions and hallucinations, then a person with schizotypal disorder is more rational. He may believe that he possesses some supernatural powers. But he is unlikely to say that at night aliens reprogram his brain, and the iron in his absence specifically includes tiny green devils.

In addition, schizotypal disorder does not interfere too much with social adaptation. Such a person may even become popular - an artist, musician, entertainer, writer, teacher, and his oddities will be perceived as signs of genius.

Where does schizotypal personality disorder come from?

As with other mental disorders, scientists admitSchizotypal personality disorder / Mayo Clinic, which is not yet in the know.

Schizotypal disorder usually manifests itself in early adulthood and is most likely due to multiple factors.Schizotypal personality disorder / School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

1. Heredity

The tendency towards schizotypal disorders and schizophrenia is often inherited. Which gene is responsible for this is not yet clear.

2. Experienced stress

Emotional trauma during childhood or chronic stress increases the risk of developing schizotypy.

3. Some features of a person's personality

Someone goes through stress relatively easily, while for someone, every trouble seems to be a catastrophe. The latter have a significantly higher risk of schizotypal disorder than the former.

Why schizotypal personality disorder is dangerous

Not only possible social isolation and lack of close friends. Experts from the American medical organization Mayo Clinic saySchizotypal personality disorder / Mayo Clinicthat schizotypal personality disorder, if left untreated, can lead to serious trouble. For example:

• depression;
• full-fledged schizophrenia;
• the development of other personality disorders;
• nervous breakdowns in response to elementary stress;
• problems with alcohol and drugs;
• attempted suicide.

What to do if you suspect a schizotypal disorder

People with schizotypal disorder usually do not see the need to see a psychotherapist. After all, they are sure that everything is in order with them - those around them are unpleasant and bad.

In this case, relatives and friends, if any, begin to play an important role. Their task is still to convince a loved one to consult with a specialist.

The easiest way to do this is to waitSchizotypal personality disorder / Mayo Clinic the moment when a black streak begins in the life of a person with a disorder. For example, he realizes that he is not able to rejoice in his own success, or he will face another fictional betrayal of someone whom he seems to have just begun to trust. As soon as this happens, you need to take your loved one by the hand and lead them to talk to a “good person” - a psychotherapist.

One conversation is enough for a specialist to make a preliminary diagnosis. Then he will be able to recommend several ways to improve your life. For example, she will prescribe pills that will reduce anxiety (antidepressants) or make your thinking more flexible. Or he will invite you to undergo a course of psychotherapy, which will help a person better understand others and himself. This treatment may need to be repeated throughout life.