People with schizotypal disorder are very often afraid of social interaction with others. In many cases, they even see others as harmful and dangerous. This is where the difference with schizoid disorder comes in, where people do not feel the need to communicate with others, fit in or follow social norms. A schizotypal individual has a real fear of these things, not just a reluctance.

People with schizotypal disorder are more likely than on the average to develop schizophrenia and a condition called "latent schizophrenia." Other symptoms are no friends, an aversion to intimate relationships, distortion of reality, and strange thoughts and beliefs, as well as a cold demeanor and perpetual "floating in the clouds." The condition can improve with psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication.

Schizotypal personality disorder sounds scary, but it can manifest itself on a smaller scale, or it can be managed or outgrown if it appears in early childhood. Many people show similar symptoms, and famous people have also struggled with this condition; typical examples are artists such as painter Vincent van Gogh and writer Emily Dickinson.

Source: psychologytoday.com, vbox7m.com