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This March, Mandy just turned fourteen. She lives in the suburbs of Oregon. Her family includes a father and a mother. Mandy is usually very quiet and she likes to spend her weekends in her room alone. She does not like to go outside of her house other than school on her weekdays. I believe she thinks the only place she feels happy and safe is at home. I think this girl has an excessive fear of social situations. I am not sure but I often find her in a state of intense. I see her worrying for nothing. She fears speaking in public and she dislikes being in the center of attention. She does not like to share her own life story. She does not like other people to know about her because she thinks it’s not safe. She believes her privacy needs to be protected. However, in school I often find her talking to herself, and she avoids talking to other people.

**Diagnosis: Schizotypal Personality Disorder**

Schizotypal personality disorder, or simply Schizotypal Disorder is characterized by a need for social isolation, odd behavior and thinking, and often unconventional beliefs. Patients suffering from schizoid personality disorder tend to avoid relationships and do not show much emotion. They genuinely prefer to be alone and do not secretly wish for popularity.

Mandy might be suffering from a mild schizotypal personality disorder for following reasons: -She prefers to be all by herself and does not like to go outside of her house -She has "an excessive fear of social situations" -Often in an intense emotional situation -Worries constantly and fears speaking in public -Avoids talking to other people

However, Mandy's behavior might just be results from her introverted personality. I would say that it's somewhat hasty to categorize Mandy as a "patient" suffering from schizotypal disorder. Though some of her symptoms seem to match well with those seen by the patients suffering from schizotypal personality disorder, they're also symptoms or typical behaviors seen by those who are introverted and prefer to be left alone. I would say that it's important not to treat her as if she's going through a psychological disorder because it can definitely worsen the case. Here are few things I recommend to alleviate Many's situation: 1. Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy isn't always for "patients" only. Psychotherapy can at times provide a new situation in which Mandy can face the society more carefully and get in contact with other people. If Mandy has some burdens or worries in her mind, it's not a bad idea to unload the burden by talking to a psychotherapist. 2. An anti-anxiety agent, such as diazepam (only appropriate to prescribe if Mandy starts to suffer from severe anxiety or agitation where it begins to interfere with normal, daily functioning)