A patient is uncomfortable in social settings, experiences odd beliefs about magical things, and feels depressed due to difficulty making friends. What is the likely personality disorder?

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Prepare for the Pennsylvania Psychiatry EOR Test. Explore flashcards, multiple-choice questions, and detailed explanations. Get exam-ready!

The description of the patient aligns closely with the characteristics of schizotypal personality disorder. Individuals with this disorder often exhibit discomfort in social situations, which can stem from feelings of anxiety and paranoia. They frequently hold odd beliefs, including magical thinking—believing that one's thoughts or actions can influence events in a way that is not logically connected. This magical thinking and peculiar beliefs are defining features of schizotypal personality disorder.

Additionally, the patient's feelings of depression due to difficulty in making friends reflect the social deficits commonly associated with this condition. Schizotypal individuals often struggle with relationships due to their eccentricities and social anxiety, making it hard to establish and maintain friendships.

In contrast, the other personality disorders listed do not encapsulate the specific combination of odd beliefs, social discomfort, and depressive feelings due to friendship difficulties. For instance, borderline personality disorder is more characterized by instability in relationships and self-image rather than magical thinking. Narcissistic personality disorder focuses on grandiosity and a need for admiration, while histrionic personality disorder emphasizes excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior. Therefore, the features present in the patient strongly indicate schizotypal personality disorder as the most fitting diagnosis.

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