As a general rule, a person with this type of personality disorder will prefer social isolation and may exhibit odd behavior and belief patterns such as believing that they have extra sensory capabilities. They will often dress unconventionally and prescribe very heavily to stereotypical thinking.

Here are some more symptoms associated with schizotypal personality disorder:

• Cold or indifferent personality lacking of emotion. Often, people with this disorder are seen to be aloof.
• Odd, eccentric or peculiar behavior.
• Odd speech such as over elaborate, stereotypical or metaphorical.
• Social isolation and withdraw.
• Paranoid thinking and fears.
• Experiences of illusions, depersonalization or derealization.
• Belief of clairvoyant, telepathic or psychic powers.
• Bizarre fantasies or illusions. Often, these will be the center of the sufferer’s life and concerns.
• Social anxiety due to paranoia and not self esteem or social acceptance issues.

In order to be diagnosed, persons with schizotypal personality disorder must have exhibited at least three or four of the above symptoms for a period of 2 years or more. Since this personality disorder is believed to be genetically similar to schizophrenia, a family history of schizophrenia may also give credence to a diagnosis but is not necessary.

In some cases, schizotypal personality disorder can evolve into overt schizophrenia. But it should be noted that although symptoms of this disorder may resemble those of schizophrenia, there is no definite schizophrenic anomalies present. When and if they become present, the condition has to be rediagnosed.