Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Individuals with schizotypal personality disorder have odd thoughts, affects, perceptions, and beliefs.

Epidemiology

Lifetime prevalence is 3% of the general population.

Etiology

Studies demonstrate interfamilial aggregation of this disorder, especially among first-degree relatives of schizophrenics.

Clinical Manifestations

History and Mental Status Examination
Schizotypal personality disorder is best thought of as similar to schizophrenia but less severe and without sustained psychotic symptoms. People with this disorder have few relationships and demonstrate oddities of thought, affect, perception, and belief Many are highly distrustful and often paranoid, which results in a very constricted social world. The lifetime suicide rate among this population is 10%.

Differential Diagnosis

Schizophrenia, delusional disorder, and mood disorder with psychosis are the major differential diagnoses.