While most people think of schizophrenia when they hear the word schizotypal, you’ll find there are plenty of differences when comparing schizotypal vs. schizophrenia disorder. Most people are somewhat familiar with schizophrenia and common symptoms like delusions and hallucinations. Schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) is another similar disorder. It’s so similar, in fact, that it can be difficult to differentiate the two in the diagnosis and treatment process. Due to the many dangers of misdiagnosed mental disorders, we’re sharing a guide on schizotypal disorder vs. schizophrenia to determine their differences and help you recognize the signs.

Schizotypal Personality Disorder Symptoms & DSM-5 Criteria

Schizotypal personality disorder is a mental health disorder marked by symptoms like odd behavior, speech patterns, thoughts, and perceptions. People with schizotypal personality disorder are often described as odd and eccentric because of their symptoms. They may dress, speak, or act in ways that are outside of societal norms and not fully understand how relationships are formed or the impact of their actions on others. 

Individuals with schizotypal disorder may also suffer from paranoia and suspicion. A primary feature of schizotypal personality disorder is social skill deficit or difficulty socializing and connecting with others. However, these struggles and distorted thinking aren’t the only symptoms that encompass what schizotypal personality disorder is.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), signs and symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder include:¹

• Lack of close friends or intimates other than first-degree relatives
• Unusual thoughts, beliefs, or mannerisms
• Distorted perceptions, such as sensing the presence of someone who isn’t there
• Superstitious beliefs or belief in special powers like telepathy, clairvoyance, or the “sixth sense”
• Paranoia and constant doubts about the loyalty of others
• Odd thinking and speech (vague, circumstantial, metaphorical, overelaborate, or stereotyped)
• Improper interpretation of events
• Excessive social anxiety that does not diminish with familiarity and tends to be associated with paranoid fears rather than self negative judgments

Social withdrawal, difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, and dressing in strange ways are some other common schizotypal personality disorder signs. Many people with schizotypal disorder also suffer from depression and memory problems.

While the direct causes of schizotypal personality disorder are unknown, the disorder is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There also seems to be a link between schizotypal personality disorder and schizophrenia, and people with a family history of schizophrenia are believed to be at higher risk of developing schizotypal personality disorder.

Understanding the Diagnosis and Differentiation of Schizotypal Personality Disorder (SPD)

Schizophrenia symptoms may include a range of problems with cognition (thinking), behavior, and emotional stability. According to the DSM-5, a person may be diagnosed with schizophrenia if they show two or more of the following symptoms for a significant portion of a month:²

• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Disorganized speech (frequent derailment from the topic or incoherence)
• Disorganized and catatonic behavior (inability to move normally)
• Below-average performance in areas like work, school, interpersonal relationships, or self-care

Other characteristics of schizophrenia include:

• Disorganized speech
• Odd or atypical behavior
• Lack of motivation
• Difficulties processing information

Schizotypal personality disorder, schizophrenia causes are unclear. It appears that this condition is genetic, meaning that people with close relatives diagnosed with schizophrenia are more likely to have it. However, some other possible causes of schizophrenia outside of genetic predisposition include.

• Being raised in a stressful home environment, such as growing up in poverty
• Disruptions to brain function and chemistry before or after birth (could result from substance use during pregnancy)
• Exposure to viruses or nutritional deficits before birth

If you or a loved one has shown any signs of schizophrenia or schizotypal personality disorder, our residential mental health program in Boca utilizes various one-on-one and group therapy modalities to help patients understand their disorders and teach them how to manage their symptoms.

Schizotypal vs. Schizophrenia: What’s the Difference?

As similar as they may seem, you’ll find that there are a lot of differences when comparing schizotypal personality disorder vs. schizophrenia. The main difference between schizotypal personality disorder and schizophrenia is that schizotypal is a personality disorder while schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder. While personality disorders involve unhealthy thought and behavioral patterns that impact everyday life, psychotic disorders are characterized by psychosis, which may result from schizophrenia, a health condition, medications, or drug use.

Additionally, people with schizotypal personality disorder don’t usually experience delusions and hallucinations, and if they do, they’re not as intense or frequent as those experienced by people with schizophrenia. People with schizotypal personality disorder are also more open to the idea that their ideas and perceptions are distorted, while people with schizophrenia are not.

How Can a Loved One Cope When a Family Member has Antisocial Personality Disorder?

When a family member has Antisocial Personality Disorder, it can be a challenging experience for their loved ones. One crucial aspect of coping is to understand that the lack of remorse or empathy displayed by the individual is a symptom of their condition. By recognizing this, family members can set realistic expectations for the improvement of the loved one. 

It is important to remember that with proper treatment, some individuals with antisocial personality disorder can make progress in forming positive relationships, being more responsible, and respecting the boundaries of others. However, it is also essential to acknowledge that not everyone will show signs of improvement, and families may need to contemplate how to address this challenge. 

One interesting observation is that individuals with antisocial personality disorder who are married tend to show improvements over time. Family members must prioritize their own health and safety in such situations. Participating in individual counseling can be beneficial in managing emotions and learning to establish appropriate boundaries with the affected family member. 

If there are concerns about having antisocial personality disorder oneself or suspecting a loved one has it, seeking help from a doctor or mental health professional is recommended. These professionals can offer support, information, and connect individuals with appropriate resources to navigate and cope with the complexities of dealing with a family member with Antisocial Personality Disorder.

What are the other Treatment Options Available for APD?

Treatment options for Antisocial Personality Disorder typically involve psychotherapy or talk therapy as the primary approach. Through therapy, individuals can work on managing impulsive behaviors, developing interpersonal skills, and addressing negative patterns of behavior. Family therapy may also be recommended to help educate and improve communication among family members. Group therapy with individuals who also have the disorder can provide additional support and understanding. While there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for treating Antisocial Personality Disorder, medications such as mood stabilizers or antidepressants may be prescribed to help manage symptoms like aggression or impulsivity. It is important for treatment to address any co-occurring disorders that are commonly associated with Antisocial Personality Disorder, such as substance abuse disorder, ADHD, borderline personality disorder, or impulse control disorders. In cases where substance abuse is present, detoxification may be the initial step followed by concurrent treatment for both the substance abuse and the personality disorder. Treatment for Antisocial Personality Disorder can be especially challenging, but a comprehensive approach that includes therapy, medication management, and addressing co-occurring conditions can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

What Age Can Antisocial Personality Disorder Be Diagnosed?

Antisocial Personality Disorder can be diagnosed when a person is at least 18 years old. Additionally, evidence of qualifying for a diagnosis of conduct disorder before the age of 15 is necessary, as the symptoms of these two disorders overlap. It is important to differentiate these behaviors from symptoms of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder when diagnosing Antisocial Personality Disorder.

What are the Symptoms of Anitsocial Personality Disorder?

Antisocial Personality Disorder is characterized by a lack of regard for the rights of others and engaging in patterns of behavior that violate these rights. To receive a diagnosis of this disorder, an individual must exhibit at least three of the following symptoms: repeatedly engaging in unlawful behaviors, lying or manipulating others for personal gain or pleasure, acting impulsively, being involved in frequent physical altercations, showing disregard for the safety of oneself and others, lacking responsibility in work or financial matters, and demonstrating a lack of remorse when mistreating others.

Help for Psychotic and Personality Disorders

Schizophrenia and SPD are similar in many ways, the same forms of treatment may be used for both. With that said, our mental health program in Boca Raton includes schizophrenia and psychotic disorders treatment to help people with SPD and other related disorders learn how to manage their symptoms.

We understand how difficult these conditions can be to operate without help. They can take over a person’s life and make the simplest of tasks nearly impossible, but you don’t have to do it alone.

For more information about schizophrenia treatment and other programs offered at Banyan Mental Health, call us today at 888-280-4763.

Sources:

1. NCBI - A diagnostic classification version of Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire using diagnostic classification models
2. NCBI - Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health [Internet].

Related Reading: 

Myths About Schizophrenia

The Different Types of Schizophrenia

How Schizophrenia Was Portrayed in A Beautiful Mind