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ABC Medical Center > Schizotypal disorder

What is Schizotypal disorder?

14:19 - 5 October , 2023

Disease

It is a mental pathology that makes it difficult or impossible to relate to others and respond appropriately to social signals and that causes alterations in behavior and thoughts, as well as appearance.

The schizotypal disorder is characterized by brief psychotic episodes of hallucinations or delusions, unlike schizophrenia, where these are more intense, long-lasting, and frequent. Furthermore, the person who suffers from it is usually aware of the difference between their distorted ideas and reality, which is not the case with schizophrenia.

It is unknown what causes schizotypal disorder, but clinical studies indicate that it may be due to genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. The risk is greater if there is a family history of schizophrenia or another mental condition

Signs and symptoms Schizotypal disorder

  • Episodes of anxiety in social situations.
  • Strange appearance, clothing, or behavior.
  • Lack or absence of close friends.
  • Supernatural beliefs, fantasies, or superstitions.
  • Strange way of expressing oneself and speaking.
  • Misunderstanding of events.
  • Limited or inappropriate emotional manifestations.
  • Eccentric or unusual thoughts, and gestures.
  • Paranoia.
  • Feel the presence of an absent person.

Risks and complications of schizotypal disorder:

  • Alcohol and/or drug abuse.
  • Anxiety.
  • Recurrent depressive episodes.
  • Suicide thoughts or attempts.
  • Lack of interpersonal relationships.
  • Schizophrenia.
  • Develop other personality disorders.
  • Problems dealing with frustration.

Diagnosis and treatment Schizotypal disorder

To establish a diagnosis, it is often necessary to rule out other conditions that could be present, but the required procedures are usually a physical examination, symptom analysis, and a psychiatric evaluation.
Once the diagnosis is established, the treatment to control the symptoms and help the patient have a normal life as possible will be decided. Treatment includes drugs and psychological and social therapy.

  • Medication.
  • Psychotherapy.
  • Support therapy.
  • Cognitive behavioral psychotherapy.
  • Family therapy.

At the Neurology Center, a select group of highly trained and certified doctors in various neurological specialties is ready to assist you with the quality and warmth that characterizes us.

Related centers and departments

Neurology Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • psisemadrid.org
  • topdoctors.es
  • cun.es
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • orientacionpsicologica.es
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Concepción SAR, Ribot RVC, Rodríguez GN. Conducta homicida en el trastorno esquizotípico. Presentación de un caso. Revista Habanera de Ciencias Médicas. 2018;17(1):73-79.
  • Blanco AC, Gómez SN, Orozco MD. Actualización de los trastornos de personalidad. Revista Médica Sinergia. 2020;5(04):1-10.
  • Benítez CE, Chávez-León E, Ontiveros UMP, et al. Los niveles de funcionamiento psicológico y los mecanismos de defensa. Salud Mental. 2010;33(6):517-526.

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					The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.