The treatment for schizotypal personality disorder typically involves psychotherapy, medication, and home remedies.

Schizotypal personality disorder is a condition that makes it difficult for people to have close relationships.

The condition may also cause someone to exhibit behaviors and thinking patterns that others see as odd or eccentric.

Other signs of schizotypal personality disorder include:

  • paranoia
  • unusual bodily perceptions
  • extreme social anxiety

Schizotypal personality disorder is not to be confused with schizoid personality disorder.

Because there’s limited research, schizotypal personality disorder is often misdiagnosed or not recognized. Treatment can be challenging when a mental health condition is poorly understood.

Mental health professionals usually treat personality disorders, schizotypal included, with a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle strategies.

Therapy is considered a first-line treatment for schizotypal personality disorder.

Still, there’s limited research on how well psychotherapy works for people with schizotypal personality disorder.

Also, therapy can be challenging when someone has trouble with social interactions or paranoia. Distorted thinking can also pose a problem during sessions, for example.

And some people with schizotypal personality disorder may have trouble thinking abstractly about their mental state.

Also, not everyone with schizotypal personality disorder will benefit from the same treatment plan.

That said, if a mental health professional recommends therapy, they may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or group therapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is a popular form of therapy for many mental health conditions and is often the first-line treatment for schizotypal personality disorder. CBT is also one of the most heavily researched forms of psychotherapy.

CBT aims to get people to understand and change their thinking. This goal-oriented form of therapy may involve:

  • focusing on positive thoughts
  • examining the present and avoiding dwelling on the past
  • doing homework
  • evolving goals as your thought processes change

CBT can also help you improve your social skills, which may be particularly helpful for someone with schizotypal personality disorder.

Group therapy

Although people with this personality disorder may mistrust others, a group therapy setting may still benefit some.

Group therapy can also help family and loved ones become better equipped to help and support the person with schizotypal personality disorder.

No medication specifically treats schizotypal personality disorder. But some medications for other mental health conditions may help with acute symptoms of the disorder, such as psychosis.

Some doctors may also recommend medications to help with related conditions like depression.

While medication may be a useful treatment option for some, a healthcare professional can answer questions about potential side effects.

Medication isn’t a whole solution, but it can help reduce the impact of symptoms and make it easier to participate fully in therapy and self-help strategies.

Antipsychotics

A 2018 review found that antipsychotic drugs typically had a beneficial effect on people with schizotypal personality disorder.

But because psychotic symptoms aren’t a frequent issue in people with this personality disorder, antipsychotic medication may be more helpful in people who experience psychotic episodes.

Risperidone

This is the most well-studied drug for treating schizotypal personality disorder, but research is mixed. Some studies suggest that risperidone improves social functioning, while others found no beneficial effect.

Evidence also shows that risperidone is generally well tolerated by those taking it for schizotypal personality disorder.

Antidepressants

According to the same 2018 review, studies on antidepressants for schizotypal personality disorder looked only at people who also had other mental health conditions and schizotypal personality disorder.

Some research suggests that particular antidepressants help with cognitive function, which may benefit those with schizotypal personality disorder.

Other 2015 research found that benzodiazepines may not help with all symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder. Also, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) aren’t particularly helpful for anxiety in people with schizotypal personality disorder.

Stimulants

People with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) may take stimulants to improve their focus. The same is true for people with schizotypal personality disorder.

Stimulants may help improve thinking ability and reduce stress stemming from problems with thought processing. Researchers also note that stimulants may help with mood and social anxiety.

At-home self-care strategies can be a valuable addition to the traditional treatment methods of therapy and medication.

Here are some tips to consider when managing schizotypal personality disorder:

  • Exercise to lessen any symptoms of depression and anxiety.
  • Learn more about your condition to recognize symptoms and better manage them.
  • Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs because they may worsen your symptoms.
  • Seek a support group of people with this personality disorder (note: this may be difficult because people with schizotypal personality disorder tend to be suspicious and mistrusting of others).
  • Find ways to de-stress and relax to prevent exacerbating symptoms
  • Stay in touch with family and your care team to prevent isolation.

It’s essential to keep in mind that home remedies are not the sole treatment option for people with schizotypal personality disorder.

But making positive life changes can help you tackle the challenges of your personality disorder with more confidence and avoid the factors that may worsen your mental health.

Living with schizotypal personality disorder is manageable if you have the right tools. These include a treatment plan and a solid support network.

If you think you have schizotypal personality disorder, consider seeking help from a mental health or healthcare professional. They can help rule out other potential causes for your symptoms.

Some people with schizotypal personality disorder may find it difficult to trust others, and paranoia can be a symptom. Still, finding a specialist in personality disorders like schizotypal disorder can be beneficial.