What is a key feature of schizotypal personality disorder?

A key feature of schizotypal personality disorder is the difficulty in maintaining close friendships. Individuals with this disorder often exhibit eccentric behaviors, peculiar thoughts and beliefs, and a general discomfort in forming intimate relationships. They may experience social anxiety and tend to be socially withdrawn, which hampers their ability to develop and sustain personal connections. This social dysfunction is central to the disorder, as individuals might struggle with interpersonal interactions, leading to an isolated lifestyle.

The other aspects, like the need for social interaction, typically apply to different personality disorders where individuals may seek or crave social engagement. In contrast, those with schizotypal personality disorder often experience the opposite. Clear and logical thinking is also inconsistent with the disorder, as individuals often have odd or distorted thinking patterns. Strongly expressed emotions can be observed in various personality disorders as well, but those with schizotypal personality disorder may display an emotional flatness or a mismatch in emotional expression, further alienating them from social situations.