Schizotypal disorder: Phenomenological perspectives on diagnosis, psychopathology, and psychotherapy

The history of research and clinical conceptualization of schizotypal disorder suggests a shared vulnerability and clinical-phenomenological features with other schizophrenia spectrum disorders (i.e., schizophrenia, non-affective psychosis). In this chapter, we first offer a brief description of the evolution of the concept of schizotypal disorder. Then, we offer phenomenological descriptions of non-psychotic anomalous self-experiences (self-disorders), which contemporary research has found to be characteristic of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. We also present a rich clinical vignette, contextualizing some of these experiential alterations within the lifeworld and life history of a patient with schizotypal disorder. Finally, we exemplify how insights from research on self-disorders can translate into concrete psychotherapeutic strategies for treatment of schizotypal disorder.