Differentiating between schizotypal and schizoid personality disorders might be challenging. Although the conditions sound the same and share some similar signs, the differences between these personality disorders become noticeable once you are aware of the diagnostic criteria for each.
First, What Are They?
Symptoms & Characteristics of Schizoid Personality Disorder
If someone has Schizoid Personality Disorder they will likely have a pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression.
People with SPD tend to have little interest in forming close relationships, preferring solitary activities and introspection. They often appear indifferent to social cues and have limited emotional expression, appearing emotionally cold or detached. Other common characteristics include a preference for a solitary lifestyle, a lack of desire for sexual relationships, and a reduced capacity to experience pleasure.
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Typical symptoms of SPD:
- Having a minimal interest in relationships or sexual encounters
- No engagement in fun activities
- Choosing to be alone
- Lacking close friends apart from family members
- Refraining from displaying love or warmth
- Feeling indifference to criticism or praise
These characteristics make it challenging to create or maintain healthy relationships. Such people will tend to be loners who find more pleasure in electronics, computers, and math than in people. Most people with schizoid personality disorder don’t see it as an issue; thus, it’s an uncommon diagnosis in treatment facilities.
Symptoms and Characteristics of Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Schizotypal Personality Disorder is characterized by a pattern of social and interpersonal deficits, along with cognitive and perceptual distortions. Individuals with STPD may experience discomfort in close relationships, exhibit eccentric behavior, and have unusual beliefs or thoughts. They often have peculiarities in speech, appearance, or thinking patterns.
Also, they may experience transient psychotic-like symptoms, such as magical thinking, perceptual distortions, and paranoid thoughts. However, these symptoms are usually not as severe as in schizophrenia.
Typical symptoms of STPD:
- Odd beliefs or magical thinking patterns about oneself or others
- Believing that others are discussing them
- Paranoia or suspiciousness
- Unusual body sensations
- Confusing or eccentric speaking, thinking, or behavior patterns
- Increased social anxiety
- Strange appearance
Schizoid vs. Schizotypal Personality Disorder
A key difference between schizotypal and schizoid is the comfort with the symptoms. Schizoid personality disorder patients often don’t care about their condition or improving their life, while a schizotypal personality disorder patient will usually feel a huge deal of anxiety and depression as they struggle with discomfort in social situations and relationships. As such, schizotypal personality disorder patients often seek treatment for the mental illness or its associated anxiety and depression symptoms.
Other key differences are the bizarre, eccentric, and odd thoughts and actions of a person with schizotypal personality disorder. Such people usually stand out from a crowd depending on their appearance and relations with others.
Their similar names might cause confusion, but schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders are distinct mental conditions. Understanding the differences will help you get the right and appropriate help.
How Do You Treat Them?
Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy is a common approach for both SPD and STPD. However, the focus and techniques used may differ. For SPD, therapy may focus on improving social skills, enhancing emotional expression, and exploring underlying issues related to detachment and avoidance.
In the case of STPD, therapy may address social and interpersonal difficulties, distorted thinking patterns, and help manage any associated anxiety or perceptual disturbances. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, or supportive therapy may be employed depending on individual needs.
Social Skills Training: Since both disorders involve challenges in social functioning, social skills training can be beneficial. This type of intervention aims to improve communication skills, emotional expression, and social interactions. Role-playing, group therapy, and structured social activities can be utilized to enhance social skills and reduce social anxiety or various other anxiety disorders.
Medication: Medication is generally not the primary treatment for personality disorders but may be used to manage specific symptoms or comorbid conditions. For instance, antipsychotic medication might be prescribed for individuals with STPD who experience significant perceptual distortions or brief psychotic episodes. However, the effectiveness of medication for personality disorders is limited compared to other psychiatric conditions.
Getting Help With STPD or SPD in Orange County
If you or someone you love is in a situation where they are dealing with Schizoid or Schizotypal Personality Disorder, you might feel powerless. It’s tough to go through it, and it’s tough to see someone we love stuck in it.
At Story we can help. Call us today, and let’s talk about your options at our unique outpatient mental health program in Orange County, California.
