The schizotypal personality is described as a severe disorder in which a person has very little or no intimate relationships with others. They experience intense anxiety when faced with social interaction, and thus, avoid it altogether.

People with this type of personality disorder are unable to socialize with others and are perceived as possibly being unfriendly. They isolate themselves and cultivate false beliefs about how relationships develop. Their behaviours are often very strange, delivering improper responses in social situations, and fostering bizarre beliefs.

The onset of this disorder commonly starts in young adults and continues all through life. No cure exists, but can be managed with the help of psychotherapy and medications. Studies indicate that positive events during early childhood can help to decrease symptoms experienced by young people who suffer from this disorder.

What are the symptoms:

Schizotypal personalities are often people who spend most of their time alone and have very few friends, if any at all. They find themselves feeling anxious in the company of others, due to trust issues, and feel they do not belong in the main stream. They have problems similar to schizophrenia, which include:

- Strange and disordered speech
- Dresses oddly
- Abnormal view of the world
- Believe they have the power to emotionally control others

Adolescents may exhibit signs of:

- Isolation and solitude
- Extreme social anxiety
- Socially delayed in relation to peer group
- They are often picked on and bullied by others.

Other common symptoms include:

- Difficulty correctly interpreting events
- Odd beliefs and behaviour patterns
- Believe they possess special powers
- Complaints of phantom pain
- Incoherent speech patterns
- Paranoia
- Little or no friends
- Intense anxiety in social situations

The schizotypal personality may be similar to shizophrenia, but is not as extreme. In addition, people with this personality disorder are able distinguish between reality and imagination, while those with schizophrenia have lost touch with reality and cannot discern reality from what they imagine.

Causes:

The cause of this mental disorder is unknown, but being abused and neglected during childhood, stress, and having a close relative with this disorder may be factors. People with schizotypal personalities are also at risk for developing schizophrenia, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and other associated mental conditions.

Treatment:

Treatment for this condition usually involves antipsychotic medications to control symptoms, and psychotherapy sessions with a trained mental health professional. Sessions and activities may include behavioural, cognitive, and family therapies.

Families are encouraged to actively participate in attending sessions and offering their loved one the needed support in learning new skills to cope with schizotypal personality disorder.