Schizotypal personality disorder (STPD) is a mental health condition characterized by eccentric behavior, unusual thought patterns and difficulty maintaining close relationships. While it’s possible for people who are struggling with STPD to live a normal life with support, the symptoms can have a negative impact on all aspects of an individual’s life, making diagnosis and treatment vital.
Our schizotypal personality disorder treatment center in Phoenix provides comprehensive care for people living with schizotypal disorder and other personality disorders, giving them the support they need to live independently and confidently.
STPD can cause anxiety and depression, increasing the risk of substance abuse. At Camelback Recovery, our mental health professionals offer support for both issues, helping people on the path to recovery.
Understanding Schizotypal Personality Disorder (STPD)
Schizotypal personality disorder is quite common, with an estimated prevalence of between 1% and 4%. Because it shares symptoms with many other mental health conditions, it’s challenging to get an accurate figure for how prevalent it is. However, treatments for STPD can still be beneficial for people with other similar conditions.
The condition is classed as one of the cluster A personality disorders. While it bears some similarities to schizophrenia, people who are living with STPD don’t tend to have psychotic symptoms. Instead, they struggle in social situations and are prone to eccentric behavior.
Symptoms of Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Common symptoms of STPD include:
- Anxiety
- Impulsive behavior
- Magical thinking
- Depression
- Unusual speech patterns
- Difficulty maintaining social relationships
Recognizing the Signs of Schizotypal Personality Disorder
STPD is often diagnosed in early adulthood. Some common signs that a person has a schizotypal personality include:
- Severe social anxiety
- A lack of close relationships as an adult (other than immediate family members)
- Unusual mannerisms and peculiar behaviors
- Odd speech patterns
- Unusual beliefs, such as claiming to have magical powers
- Frequently reading normal situations as having a special hidden meaning
- Intense paranoia
- Difficulty maintaining eye contact
- A lack of motivation to achieve at work or school
- Difficulty with everyday social interactions
Some of these signs could also be indicators of other mental health or developmental disorders. For example, social anxiety and difficulty maintaining eye contact are often seen in people on the autism spectrum, while a lack of motivation can be an indicator of depression. Our therapists and counselors can help identify the underlying cause of any symptoms.
Risk Factors for Developing Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Schizotypal personality disorder isn’t well understood. However, it’s more common among men than women and is more commonly seen in direct relatives of people with schizophrenia or cluster A personality disorders. This suggests there may be a genetic component to the condition.
How We Treat Schizotypal Personality Disorder (STPD) at Camelback Recovery
Our schizotypal treatment plans include a combination of medication and talk therapy sessions to help manage the symptoms and provide people with the tools they need to understand social cues and cope with social interactions. We also provide support for any comorbid conditions, such as anxiety, depression or substance abuse.
The Risk for Co-Occurring Substance Abuse and Schizotypal Personality Disorder
STPD may impact a person’s ability to hold down a job, make friends and enjoy romantic relationships. It’s a chronic condition, and coping with these challenges can be difficult. Many people living with STPD turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism, increasing their risk of substance abuse disorder.
Treating both issues is essential to give the best chances of recovery. Our combination of medication and ongoing supportive therapy helps people address both their mental health and substance abuse in a sustainable, effective way.
Our Dual-Diagnosis Program for Treating Schizotypal Personality Disorder and Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a serious issue that can harm a person’s physical health and cause lasting damage to their personal relationships. Physical detox is just one part of beating substance abuse. It’s essential to take steps to address the reason the patient became dependent on drugs or alcohol to prevent a person from relapsing when they return to their everyday life with a comprehensive dual diagnosis program.
For someone with a schizotypal personality, it may be that their tendency to interpret ordinary situations, paranoid thoughts, or anxiety incorrectly has caused them to turn to substance abuse as a way to relieve their stresses. Our personalized approach to treating STPD and substance abuse can simultaneously help address the underlying challenges and deal with the addiction.
Assessment and Diagnosis of Schizotypal Personality Disorder
The symptoms of STPD are similar to the symptoms of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Our mental health professionals can perform a comprehensive assessment to determine the best diagnosis.
While some symptoms may appear early in life, a diagnosis of STPD is unlikely to be given to a person who’s under the age of 18 because the brain is still developing. People may go through several personality changes during their teenage years. If you care for a young person who’s having difficulty with social skills or using concrete phrases in their speech or who’s experiencing anxiety in social situations, it’s a good idea to work with a mental health expert to support them so they can learn coping skills at a young age, regardless of their final diagnosis.
Integrated Treatment Approach for Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Our integrated treatment approach to STPD addresses the most severe symptoms of STPD from multiple angles, helping people develop the skills they need to manage the condition in the long term.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder Treatment Services
We take a multipronged approach to treating schizotypal personality disorder, using antipsychotic medication, group therapy and ongoing outpatient treatment to address STPD and any comorbid conditions.
Inpatient Treatment for Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Our inpatient mental health services include intensive schizotypal personality disorder therapy, medication and substance abuse care as required. For individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges, this treatment can help them get back on track.
Outpatient Treatment Options for Schizotypal Personality Disorder
STPD is a condition that requires lifelong treatment. Our outpatient treatment plans provide a convenient way for people to get the care they need while maintaining their day-to-day family and career commitments.
Detox and Stabilization Services for Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Drug or alcohol addiction can amplify other mental health challenges. Our detox and stabilization services can help people safely cease drug or alcohol use and stabilize any mental health challenges. Once the immediate crisis is over, they can focus on long-term recovery.
Therapies and Specialized Programs for Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Our skilled counselors offer tailored therapy for STPD. We offer individual, group, and family therapy options. Our therapists and counselors are all highly skilled and experienced in working with people with schizotypal personality disorders. Therapy is entirely confidential and available as a part of our inpatient and outpatient plans.
About Camelback Recovery’s Schizotypal Personality Disorder Program
Camelback Recovery offers a supportive, safe environment for people with schizotypal personality disorder where they can learn the skills they need to cope with their mental health challenges and develop strategies for day-to-day life.
Our Mission for Treatment and Recovery
Our mission is to provide a safe, welcoming environment where people can focus on recovery, free from stress and distractions.
Our Locations
Our main facility is in Phoenix, AZ, and our inpatient treatment center is in Peoria. Both locations provide a calm, safe and welcoming environment for recovery.
Why Choose Camelback Recovery for Schizotypal Personality Disorder Treatment?
Our evidence-based approach to treating personality disorders and substance abuse helps people build the skills they need to enjoy a long-lasting, healthy lifestyle. If you’re looking for a high standard of care and treatment delivered by caring, experienced professionals, choose Camelback Recovery.
Insurance Coverage for Schizotypal Personality Disorder Treatment
We accept most major health insurance plans and offer flexible payment plans to help those who are uninsured or have limited coverage access the care they need at a reasonable price. Our website makes it easy to verify your insurance coverage for treatment.
Begin Your Recovery Journey Today
If you’re living with schizotypal personality disorder or care for someone who’s been diagnosed with the condition, know that help is available. The mental health and substance abuse experts in Phoenix at Camelback Recovery can provide you with the support you need to overcome these challenges.
Contact us today at 602-466-9880 to speak with one of our mental health professionals.
