Schizoid vs Schizotypal Personality Disorder

This article is for informative purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please reach out to a qualified mental health professional if you are struggling.

While “schizoid” and “schizotypal” sound may sound similar, they are actually quite different. To better understand what either of them mean, in this article, we will be looking at some of the differences between schizoid personality disorder and schizotypal personality disorder. 

What is Schizoid Personality Disorder?

Schizoid Personality Disorder (SzPD) is a cluster A personality disorder characterized by a lack of desire for social interaction. People with this condition tend to choose solo activities all the time and find it difficult to form attachments to people outside of close family (Cherry 2021). People with this condition may also experience:

• Lack of enjoyment out of activities with or without people
• Indifference towards other people, often making them appear cold. They tend to react little to praise for example.
• Limited emotional expression

(Source: Cherry 2021)

While people who are introverted may relate to SzPD, it is important to know that the disorder is chronic and has a huge effect on how they perceive the world (Cherry 2021).

What is Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

Schizotypal Personality Disorder (STPD) has similarities to SzPD however it is more focused on odd beliefs and eccentric behavior. People with this disorder may come to unusual conclusions about certain events in their life, believing them to have a certain meaning (Mayo Clinic 2019). This disorder has similarities to schizophrenia, however is considered to be less severe. People with STPD may experience:

• Psychotic episodes, but usually less intense as what is seen in schizophrenia
• Odd speaking habits
• Paranoid thoughts
• Odd beliefs, usually in a spiritual or superstitious nature 

(Source: Mayo Clinic 2019)

How Are They Similar?

Both people with SzPD and STPD tend to isolate themselves from others. They may have difficulties forming relationships and have difficulties expressing emotions (Hull 2021). Because of this, people with either disorder tend to have few friends. As people with either condition have difficulty with expressing their emotion, they may appear flat, cold, unemotional, and odd. Both are cluster A personality disorders meaning that their symptoms are related to abnormal thinking and behavior, and that they are both diagnosed by issues in these areas (Hull 2021).

How Are They Different?

While SvPD and STPD have their similarities, there are a lot of differences. In general, people with STPD have paranoid and psychotic symptoms that isn’t associated with those with SvPD (Cherry 2021). STPD also comes with odd beliefs, magical thinking, and strange speech patterns/appearance that isn’t seen as much with SvPD. While both deal with isolation, people with STPD may desire relationships but struggle with trusting others and have odd behaviors that push people away whereas those with SvPD tend to not desire relationships at all (Crownview Co-Occurring Institute 2018). In either case, both disorders are highly distressing to the people experiencing them so getting help can improve quality of life.

How To Get Treatment

Getting diagnosed with either disorder requires a trained mental health professional. The best way to see if you have either disorder is to reach out to your healthcare provider or to contact a mental health clinic for advice on how to make an appointment.

While it may seem that SzPD and STPD are similar, they both are unique disorders with their own unique set of challenges. We hope you found this article informative and ask that you post your thoughts on it in the comments below.

References:

• Cherry, K. (2021, June 22). Schizoid Personality Disorder Symptoms and Treatments. Verywell Mind. www.verywellmind.com/schizoid-personality-disorder-2795450
• Crownview Co-Occurring Institute. (2018, October 23). Schizotypal vs Schizoid Personality Disorders. crownviewci.com/schizotypal-vs-schizoid-personality-disorders/
• Hull, M. (2021, April 19). Schizoid vs. Schizotypal Personality Disorder. The Recovery Village Drug and Alcohol Rehab.www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/schizoid-personality-disorder/schizoid-vs-schizotypal/
• Mayo Clinic. (2019, October 8). Schizotypal personality disorder – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic. www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizotypal-personality-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353924
• Relojo-Howell, D. (2020, April 23). What Is the Difference Between Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorder? Psychreg. www.psychreg.org/difference-between-schizoid-and-schizotypal-personality-disorder/