Technically speaking, schizotypal personality disorder may also be considered an "extended phenotype" that helps geneticists track the familial or genetic transmission of the genes that are implicated in schizophrenia pathogenesis. But there is also a genetic connection of STPD to mood disorders and depression in particular. Prediction of schizophrenia based on schizotypal traits has a higher accuracy for individuals with high genetic risk for STPD. Social and environmental
Unique environmental factors, which differ from shared sibling experiences, have been found to play a role in the development of STPD and its dimensions. There is now evidence to suggest that parenting styles, early separation, trauma/maltreatment history (especially early childhood neglect) can lead to the development of schizotypal traits. Neglect or abuse, trauma, or family dysfunction during childhood may increase the risk of developing schizotypal personality disorder. There is also evidence indicating insults in the prenatal environment could have an effect on development of STPD. Over time, children learn to interpret social cues and respond appropriately but for unknown reasons this process does not work well for people with this disorder.Schizotypal personality disorders are characterized by a common attentional impairment in various degrees that could serve as a marker of biological susceptibility to STPD. The reason is that an individual who has difficulties taking in information may find it difficult in complicated social situations where interpersonal cues and attentive communications are essential for quality interaction. This might eventually cause the individual to withdraw from most social interactions, thus leading to asociality.
Cognitive deficits in patients with schizotypal personality disorder are very similar to, but quantitatively milder than, those for patients with schizophrenia. A 2004 study, however, reported neurological evidence that did "not entirely support the model that SPD is simply an attenuated form of schizophrenia". Epidemiology
Reported prevalence of STPD in community studies ranges from 0.6% in a Norwegian sample, to 4.6% in an American sample. A large American study found a lifetime prevalence of 3.9%, with somewhat higher rates among men (4.2%) than women (3.7%). It may be uncommon in clinical populations, with reported rates of up to 1.9%.Together with other cluster A personality disorders, it is also very common among homeless people who show up at drop-in centres, according to a 2008 New York study. The study did not address homeless people who do not show up at drop-in centres.Cannabis users, whether that be a lifetime use, abuse or dependence, have been found to have an increased likelihood of possessing schizotypal personality disorder or traits consistent with STPD. Another epidemiological study on suicidal behavior in STPD found that, even when accounted for sociodemographic factors, people with STPD were 1.51 times more likely to attempt suicide. The same study found that people with childhood adversities, specifically abuse by a parent or caretaker, have a strongly significant association with lifetime STPD. See also
Boundaries of the mind
DSM-5 codes (personality disorders)
Paranoid personality disorder
Schizoid personality disorder
Schizotypy

References


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