Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Schizotypal personality disorder (STPD) is a mental health condition marked by a consistent pattern of intense discomfort with close relationships and social interactions. If you have STPD, you may have distorted views of reality, superstitions and unusual behaviors. Your relationships are likely hindered by these symptoms.

Schizotypal personality disorder is one of a group of conditions called “Cluster A” personality disorders, which involve unusual and eccentric thinking or behaviors. Personality disorders are chronic (long-term) dysfunctional behavior patterns that are inflexible, prevalent and lead to social issues and distress.

People with schizotypal personality disorder typically display unusual behavior, odd speech and magical beliefs. You might not realize your behavior is unusual or problematic.

Some people with schizotypal personality disorder later develop schizophrenia.

What is the difference among schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders and schizophrenia?

Schizoid personality disorder (ScPD) is a mental health condition marked by a consistent pattern of detachment from and general disinterest in social relationships. This is distinct from schizotypal personality disorder (STPD) because people with STPD have an intense discomfort with personal relationships, not a lack of interest in them.

People with STPD also have peculiar thoughts and behaviors, like magical thinking, whereas people with ScPD generally don’t.

Many researchers consider schizotypal personality disorder to be one of the schizophrenia spectrum disorders, which also includes brief psychotic disorder, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder and delusional disorder.

However, schizotypal personality disorder is distinct from schizophrenia because people with STPD don’t have psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, which are hallmarks of schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia negatively impacts someone’s day-to-day function much more than schizotypal personality disorder.

Who does schizotypal personality disorder affect?

Most personality disorders, including schizotypal personality disorder (STPD), begin in the teen years when personality further develops and matures.

STPD affects people assigned male at birth slightly more than people assigned female at birth.

How common is schizotypal personality disorder?

Schizotypal personality disorder is relatively rare. It affects approximately 3% to 5% of people in the United States.