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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffUntil recently, doctors have generally believed that once a personality disorder has developed it will last throughout life. However, new research has suggested that the symptoms of conditions such as schizotypal personality disorder may improve significantly over time. Factors that appear most likely to reduce the symptoms of this disorder include positive relationships with friends and family as well as a sense of achievement at school, work and in extracurricular activities.
Researchers believe that these experiences may create a protective effect by fostering — among other positive traits — self-confidence, a belief in one's ability to overcome difficulty and a sense of social support. These findings also indicate that early interventions such as youth programs that foster personal achievement and strong community relationships may help prevent personality disorders in at-risk children. The earlier these kinds of interventions reach a child in any challenging situation, the better his or her chances of doing well.
- Skodol AE. Longitudinal course and outcome of personality disorders. Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2008;31(3):495-503, viii.
- Skodol AE, et al. Positive childhood experiences: Resilience and recovery from personality disorder in early adulthood. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2007;68(7):1102-1108.
- Pfohl B. Personality disorders. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 12, 2008.
- Schizotypal Personality Disorder. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association Publishing; 2000.
- Personality disorders. Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec07/ch105/ch105a.html. Accessed Aug. 1, 2008.
- Hall-Flavin D (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 18, 2008.
