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Schizotypal Personality Disorder  American Description 

 

Diagnostic Criteria
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. 
Note: If criteria are met prior to the onset of Schizophrenia, add "Premorbid," e.g., "Schizotypal Personality Disorder (Premorbid)."

Associated Features
Depressed Mood 
Odd/Eccentric/Suspicious Personality 

Differential Diagnosis
Delusional Disorder; Schizophrenia; Mood Disorder With Psychotic Features; Autistic Disorder; Asperger's Disorder; Expressive and Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorders; Communication Disorders; Personality Change Due to a General Medical Condition; symptoms that may develop in association with chronic substance use; Paranoid Personality Disorder; Schizoid Personality Disorder; Avoidant Personality Disorder; Narcissistic Personality Disorder; Borderline Personality Disorder; Schizotypal features during adolescence. 

Internet Mental Health (www.mentalhealth.com) copyright © 1995-2000 by Phillip W. Long, M.D. 

 

 

BipolarConnection 2001 - 2008

Designed by

Although BipolarConnection Network strives for the highest quality in the resources offered here, unless otherwise noted, BipolarConnection Network is not responsible for the validity or accuracy of the material presented in.  The pages are thought to be accurate, but no warranties, expressed or implied, are made. The opinions of the authors are not necessarily the opinion of BipolarConnection Network.

The contents of BipolarConnection Network are for information purposes only and do not replace the assessment of a physician or psychotherapist..

Always consult a trained mental health professional before making any decision regarding treatment choice or changes in your treatment. Never discontinue treatment or medication without first consulting your physician, clinician or therapist. If you are feeling like you want to harm yourself or others, please consult a mental health professional or other health care professional IMMEDIATELY. Online resources are not meant to nor cannot replace the specialized training and professional judgment of a health care or mental health care professional.

 

 

BipolarConnection 2001 - 2008

Designed by

Although BipolarConnection Network strives for the highest quality in the resources offered here, unless otherwise noted, BipolarConnection Network is not responsible for the validity or accuracy of the material presented in.  The pages are thought to be accurate, but no warranties, expressed or implied, are made. The opinions of the authors are not necessarily the opinion of BipolarConnection Network.

The contents of BipolarConnection Network are for information purposes only and do not replace the assessment of a physician or psychotherapist..

Always consult a trained mental health professional before making any decision regarding treatment choice or changes in your treatment. Never discontinue treatment or medication without first consulting your physician, clinician or therapist. If you are feeling like you want to harm yourself or others, please consult a mental health professional or other health care professional IMMEDIATELY. Online resources are not meant to nor cannot replace the specialized training and professional judgment of a health care or mental health care professional.