Psychiatric Medications Q 49
Richard is admitted with a diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder. Which signs would this client exhibit during social situations?
A. Aggressive behavior
B. Paranoid thoughts
C. Emotional affect
D. Independence needs
Correct Answer: B. Paranoid thoughts
Clients with schizotypal personality disorder experience excessive social anxiety that can lead to paranoid thoughts. People with schizotypal personality disorder are loners who prefer to keep their distance from others and are uncomfortable being in relationships. They sometimes exhibit odd speech or behavior, and they have a limited or flat range of emotions. This pattern begins early in adulthood and continues throughout life.
Option A: Aggressive behavior is uncommon, although these clients may experience agitation with anxiety. Those with this disorder also tend to have markedly illogical thinking, with unusual ideas or odd beliefs that are not consistent with prevailing ideas, for example, a strong belief in extrasensory perception (ESP). They may report unusual perceptions or strange body experiences.
Option C: Their behavior is emotionally cold with a flattened affect, regardless of the situation. Many people with schizotypal personality disorder have subtle difficulties with memory, learning, and attention. They usually do not have the more severe and disabling psychotic symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations that appear in schizophrenia. However, people with a schizotypal personality disorder do sometimes develop schizophrenia.
Option D: These clients demonstrate a reduced capacity for close or dependent relationships. Difficulties in social interactions can lead to personal disappointment and poor self-image throughout life. These kinds of problems may become an important focus in psychotherapy. If the problems are more severe, however, a person with a schizotypal personality disorder may have more than average difficulty maintaining a job or living independently. For example, routine interactions at work may be very awkward or may provoke anxiety. The person may not be able to accomplish daily tasks like shopping for food or other necessities.