[Schizotypal personality disorder--diagnosis and treatment]

Schizotypal personality disorder is relatively common disorder, and is considered to be a mild form of schizophrenia. It is characterized by such "psychotic" symptoms as ideas of reference, odd or magical thinking, perceptual illusions and an inappropriate or flattened affect. In their contact with others, patients show odd expression and behavior. Since, numerous schizotypal symptoms can be treated successfully with atypical antipsychotic medication, the patient should be referred to a psychiatrist or neurologist. The mainstay of psychotherapy consists in crisis management, development of self-awareness of the problem, breaking down social isolation and general unspecific support in coping with daily problems.