A pervasive
pattern of social and interpersonal deficits marked by acute
discomfort with, and reduced capacity for, close relationships
as well as by cognitive or perceptual distortions and eccentricities
of behavior, beginning by early adulthood and present in a
variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the
following:
Ideas of reference (excluding delusions of reference) odd
beliefs or magical thinking that influences behavior and is
inconsistent with subcultural norms (e.g., superstitiousness,
belief in clairvoyance, telepathy, or "sixth sense";
in children and adolescents, bizarre fantasies or preoccupations).
Unusual perceptual experiences, including bodily illusions
odd thinking and speech (e.g., vague, circumstantial, metaphorical,
overelaborate, or stereotyped).
Suspiciousness or paranoid ideation inappropriate or constricted
affect behavior or appearance that is odd, eccentric, or peculiar.
Lack of close friends or confidants other than first-degree
relatives excessive social anxiety that does not diminish
with familiarity and tends to be associated with paranoid
fears rather than negative judgments about self .
Does not occur
exclusively during the course of Schizophrenia, a Mood Disorder
With Psychotic Features, another Psychotic Disorder, or a
Pervasive Developmental Disorder
DSM-IV Code: 301.22.
The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects
of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general
medical condition.
Note: If criteria are met prior to the onset of Schizophrenia,
add "Premorbid," e.g., "Schizotypal Personality
Disorder (Premorbid)."
Differential
Diagnosis
Some disorders
have similar or even the same symptom. The clinician, therefore,
in his diagnostic attempt has to differentiate against the
following disorders which he needs to rule out to establish
a precise diagnosis.
Cause:
The cause
is unknown, but there is an increased incidence in relatives
of schizophrenics.
Treatment:
Some people
may be helped by antipsychotic medications, but in many cases
therapy is preferred. Schizotypal patients rarely initiate treatment
for their particular disorder, seeking relief from depressive
symptoms instead. Some people may be helped by antipsychotic
medications, but in many cases therapy is preferred. Patients
severely afflicted with the disorder may require hospitalization
to help them form social contacts and thereby overcome fears
of relationships as well as to provide therapy. Schizotypal
Personality Disorder patients do not often demonstrate significant
progress. Treatment should therefore help patients establish
a satisfying solitary existence.
Counseling
and Psychotherapy [ See
Therapy Section ]:
Behavioral
modification, a “cognitive-behavioral” treatment
approach can allow Schizotypal Personality Disorder patients
to remedy some of their odd thoughts and behaviors. Recognizing
abnormalities by viewing videotapes and improving speech habits
with the help of a therapist are two effective methods of treatment.
Pharmacotherapy
[ See
Psychopharmacology Section ] :
Medication
can be used for treatment of this disorder's more acute phases
of psychosis. These phases are likely to manifest themselves
during times of extreme stress or life events with which they
cannot adequately cope. Psychosis is usually transitory, though,
and should effectively resolve with the prescription of an appropriate
anti-psychotic.
