Does Osteoporosis Affect Your Teeth?
Teeth are not bones, so they are not directly affected by osteoporosis. However, osteoporosis can lead to jaw damage, which in turn can cause serious dental problems.
Osteoporosis is a bone disease resulting in the loss of bone mass and density. It can lead to weak bones, which increases the risk of fractures.
Like many people with osteoporosis, you may wonder if it will affect your teeth. The short answer is: not directly. Since your teeth aren't actually bones, osteoporosis itself doesn't change your teeth's health or composition.
Yet osteoporosis can have an indirect effect on your teeth. This is because it can cause changes to your jaw, which can affect how your teeth are held in place. In fact, osteoporosis has been associated with an increased likelihood of tooth loss for this reason.
It's important to not only brush your teeth but also brush up on information about how osteoporosis may affect your oral health. We'll review what to know about how teeth and bones differ, current research on how osteoporosis affects teeth, and how treatment works.
What are teeth made of?
Although they do have some characteristics in common, your teeth and your bones are not made of the exact same materials. Your bones are mostly collagen and the mineral calcium phosphate. Teeth, on the other hand, consist of the following main layers:
Enamel is the hard calcified tissue on the top (crown) of teeth that isn't made of living cells.
Cementum is another type of hard tissue that protects a tooth's root.
Dentin is below enamel and cementum, making up most of our teeth's interior and providing structure.
Pulp is the innermost layer of our teeth and contains nerves and blood vessels.
Osteoporosis damages your bones' ability to produce new tissue to make up their spongy interior. People may mistake teeth for bones because the whitish enamel covering the crown of your teeth looks like bone. But unlike our bones, enamel isn't made of living tissue.
Research findings
The link between osteoporosis and tooth loss is well-established and has been the subject of many scientific studies. These include:
A study from 2017 also found that postmenopausal women in South India were more likely to experience tooth loss if they had developed osteoporosis.
A 2024 systematic review concluded that osteoporosis is associated not only with loss of bone density in the jaw area but also with periodontal disease and tooth loss.
A 2024 study showed that osteoporosis is associated with loss of bone in the alveolar process (the bone structure that holds the roots of your teeth in place), leading to tooth loss.
Another 2024 study of postmenopausal women saw an association between vertebral fractures and tooth loss.
Researchers are pretty clear that osteoporosis and tooth loss are connected, but they are still investigating the exact nature of that connection.
A key theory for the link is that as osteoporosis progresses, your jawbone also weakens and loses some of its density.
When the jawbone weakens, teeth begin to lose some of their stability. These jawbone changes may affect tooth alignment, damaging their roots and causing oral health complications.
Osteoporosis medications and teeth
If you take medication for osteoporosis, be sure to talk with your doctor about its possible effects on your teeth. Be aware that medications that strengthen bones can sometimes cause damage to your jawbone.
The treatment most commonly prescribed for people with osteoporosis is bisphosphonate therapy.
Bisphosphonates, which can be administered orally (by mouth) or intravenously (through a vein), can help strengthen your bones and ward off future fractures. Many people also take calcium or vitamin D with bisphosphonates, according to the American College of Rheumatology.
But there's a risk to your jaw and teeth when you take bisphosphonates. This type of treatment has been linked to the development of a rare degenerative complication called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ).
According to the Endocrine Society, the risk of developing ONJ is highest after dental surgery. It tends to occur more frequently in people who have undergone 'high dose, long-term therapy, as might be given during cancer treatment.'
Keeping bones and teeth healthy
One of the most important things you can do is prioritize the health of your bones and teeth by maintaining habits that contribute to their overall well-being.
Some key factors include:
eating a b alanced diet
making sure you get 800 to 1000 IU of vitamin D each day
aiming for 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium each day
not smoking, or considering quitting smoking if you currently smoke
limiting your consumption of alcohol
being physically active — the World Health Organization (WHO) has exercise guidelines by age group
If you're having trouble getting enough calcium or vitamin D from the foods that you eat, talk with your doctor or a nutritionist about taking a supplement. Make sure you always take supplements as directed.
Proper dental hygiene is essential for the long-term health of your teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends the following:
Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day for 2 minutes per session.
Use toothpaste containing fluoride when brushing your teeth.
Clean between your teeth daily (including flossing, interdental brushes, and others).
Limit your intake of sugary beverages and snacks.
Aim to visit your dentist for regular checkups.
Let your dentist know if you're taking an antiresorptive agent, like a bisphosphonate, so they can accommodate it in your treatment plan — especially if you'll be undergoing any surgical procedures like a tooth extraction.
You likely won't need to stop taking your osteoporosis treatment or skip the procedure, according to the ADA, but your dentist may need to make some accommodations.
Know your risk
Prioritizing and monitoring oral health can be especially important if you have existing dental health concerns or if you have certain risk factors for osteoporosis.
Your chances of developing osteoporosis increase as you get older. Women tend to be at elevated risk, and the loss of estrogen that occurs with menopause can also contribute.
Treating osteoporosis
Currently, there's no cure for osteoporosis, so prevention remains the best strategy. However, there are several osteoporosis management and treatment options, according to 2018 research.
Certain drugs for osteoporosis aim to prevent bone loss (antiresorptive medications), while others seek to regrow bone (anabolic medications). Both classes of drugs aim to increase bone density and lower your chance of fractures.
Depending on your specific needs and health, your doctor might advise taking the following:
Bisphosphonate medications. These are usually the first medications prescribed for postmenopausal women, and they work by slowing the breakdown of bone.
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), also known as estrogen agonists, are a class of medications that also treat osteoporosis in women and other conditions like breast cancer. Most commonly, SERMS, raloxifene, is used to treat these conditions.
Hormone replacement therapy. These drugs are synthetic versions of our naturally occurring hormones. Since loss of estrogen due to menopause can contribute to osteoporosis, estrogen therapy can help, although it's often not the first-line treatment. Testosterone therapy is sometimes used similarly for osteoporosis in men.
Calcitonin. This is a synthetic version of a hormone your thyroid gland produces that regulates calcium. It comes in a nasal spray and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating osteoporosis in certain postmenopausal women.
Antibody medications. Also called biologics, these can slow the breakdown of bone and encourage new bone formation. The two available drugs are denosumab and romosozumab, both administered through injections.
Parathyroid hormone therapies. Parathyroid hormones (PTHs) increase bone density and strength, helping prevent fractures. The PTH injectable medications teriparatide and abaloparatide are both FDA-approved to treat osteoporosis.
Calcium and vitamin D supplements. These are essential for building and maintaining strong bones (and teeth).
Physical therapy (PT) is also often used to treat osteoporosis and aims to strengthen muscle and bone to prevent future fractures (or recover from fractures).
A PT exercise regimen will be tailored specifically to your health needs. It can be done in a few minutes per day at home or at regular sessions with your physical therapist.
Takeaway
Teeth are not bones, so they aren't directly affected by osteoporosis. However, osteoporosis can affect your teeth indirectly by causing changes or damage to your jawbone.
Maintaining healthy habits promotes bone and oral health in the long term. This includes not smoking, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and practicing proper dental hygiene.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
11 minutes ago
- CBS News
Springfield, Pennsylvania, commissioners approve micro-hospital, despite opposition from some residents
ChristianaCare has announced Springfield as its second location for a micro-hospital in Delaware County. This comes after the Springfield board of commissioners approved the project during a meeting Wednesday night. Eighty townhomes will be built near the micro-hospital. Some residents at the meeting expressed concerns about ambulance noise, traffic and stormwater runoff. ChristianaCare "I have mixed feelings about it," Gary Lockman from Springfield said. "Generally, I'm in favor of it. I think we need it. I know it doesn't replace the hospitals that have closed." The micro-hospital won't be as large as a full-scale hospital, but ChristianaCare said it will include 10 inpatient beds with an emergency room equipped to handle heart attacks, strokes, injuries and falls. Springfield solicitor Jim Byrne said the project will create jobs and generate more than a million dollars every year in tax revenue. "We believe the hospital will take all reasonable steps to minimize any impact on the surrounding residents, but the commissioners have to look at what's best for the whole town," Byrne said. ChristianaCare The new facility will be 2.5 miles from Springfield Hospital, which closed down three years ago. "I think it'll be good because we seem to be running out of hospitals with the closing of Crozer," Mike Whelan from Springfield said. The Springfield micro-hospital is set to open in late 2026. ChristianaCare's micro-hospital in Aston is set to open in late 2026 to early 2027.
Health Line
13 minutes ago
- Health Line
How to Stop Throwing Up And Ways to Find Nausea Relief
You may be able to help reduce nausea and vomiting by eating a bland diet, taking medication, or using herbal supplements like ginger. If vomiting lasts a long time, it may be an emergency. Nausea is a queasiness or general sickness of the stomach during which you may or may not vomit. Vomiting can be a response to nausea and your body's effort to get rid of viruses, bacteria, and harmful substances. Whether due to a hangover, motion sickness, or an illness, nausea and vomiting may be treated at home with a few universal remedies. Read on for ways to stop vomiting and nausea, as well as signs for when it may be best to see a doctor for further treatment. What causes nausea? Nausea may be related to different causes and conditions. These may include but are not limited to: motion sickness gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) migraine morning sickness medication side effects, such as those from chemotherapy drugs food poisoning food allergies intestinal infections, or gastroenteritis ulcers intestinal obstruction stress and anxiety What causes vomiting? While it's possible to feel nauseated without throwing up, nausea may sometimes be a precursor to vomiting. The causes of vomiting are often the same as the causes of your underlying nausea. This may include acute illnesses such as gastroenteritis or long-term concerns such as GERD. Your brain – not your stomach – tells your body when to vomit. Throwing up is often your body's way of removing a damaging substance, such as viruses. It's also possible to feel queasy and not vomit. Although in some cases, nausea may go away after vomiting. How can you try to stop vomiting in children? Vomiting in children is commonly caused by viral illnesses and doesn't necessarily require medical treatment unless the vomiting is severe. In general, you can help reduce vomiting by modifying your child's diet. As a rule of thumb, you may want to avoid solid foods for up to 8 to 24 hours and instead offer: ice chips water electrolyte solutions popsicles pudding jello yogurt applesauce A modified diet can also help prevent your child from becoming dehydrated. Eating solid foods may induce more vomiting, leading to further dehydration. For this reason, a pediatrician may recommend a liquid diet for 8 to 24 hours. Talk with your pediatrician if your child is also vomiting up fluids. Also, you should have your child lay on their side to minimize the chance of them inhaling vomit into their airways. Always speak to your child's doctor or a healthcare professional before giving them medications and alternative treatments. When to seek emergency care for a vomiting child Seek care immediately if your child is vomiting and has any of these symptoms: has a sudden and severe stomach pain is a baby who is floppy, irritable, or less responsive has a headache, a stiff neck, and a rash may have swallowed something poisonous there's blood in the vomit, or the vomit looks like ground coffee the vomit is green or yellow-green has a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights What medications can stop vomiting? Further treatment for vomiting will depend on the underlying cause. Unless you know the exact cause of vomiting, you should avoid taking medications without talking with a doctor first. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as antiemetics may sometimes be used to stop upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting. OTC medications for nausea can include Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate, which contain bismuth subsalicylate. These medications help protect the stomach lining and reduce vomiting caused by food poisoning, among other causes. Other types of antiemetics, such as OTC antihistamines or H1 blockers, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Bonine, Travel-Ease), may help stop vomiting caused by motion sickness. They work by blocking the H1 histamine receptors responsible for stimulating vomiting. Side effects of antihistamines may include: dry mouth blurred vision drowsiness Before taking any OTC medications for nausea and vomiting, consider the following: Only take the recommended dosage on the product label. Do not take more than one antiemetic medication at the same time, as they may share similar active ingredients. Do not give bismuth subsalicylate products to children under 12 years old. Do not give bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol-type products) to children or teens with the flu or chickenpox, as this can increase their risk for Reye's syndrome. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about potential drug interactions if you take other OTC or prescription medications, such as blood thinners. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if antiemetic medications are safe if you have certain underlying conditions, such as heart disease, asthma, or thyroid disease. Eat bland foods and crackers Dry crackers, such as soda crackers or saltines, are a tried-and-true remedy for nausea. They are thought to help absorb stomach acids. For morning sickness, try eating a few crackers before getting out of bed to help settle your stomach. Other bland foods like dry toast or white rice are also good to eat while recovering from a stomach bug. Avoid eating spicy or fatty foods that could further irritate your stomach. It's also important that you continue to drink enough fluids to help prevent dehydration as you start eating bland solid foods. Try deep breathing Take deep breaths by breathing air through your nose and into your lungs. Your abdomen should expand as you breathe in. Exhale slowly through your mouth or nose and relax your belly after each breath. Repeat this several times. You can use the image below to help pace yourself. A 2020 study suggested that taking deep, controlled breaths may be beneficial in reducing how often people undergoing cancer treatments experienced nausea and vomiting. According to a 2022 review, this may be attributed to the effects of deep breathing from the diaphragm, which can activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Deep breathing may also help calm anxiety that may occur when you're feeling sick. Wrist acupressure for vomiting Acupressure is a popular traditional Chinese medicine remedy that may also help alleviate feelings of nausea and subsequent vomiting. It uses pressure to stimulate certain points of the body to relieve symptoms. Wrist acupressure may be preferred by people who may not want to eat or drink anything due to nausea. Applying pressure to pressure point Neiguan (P-6), a spot on the palm side of the forearm near your wrist, may help relieve nausea and vomiting. To massage this pressure point: Place three fingers across the wrist. Put your thumb under your index finger. Rub this point in a firm, circular motion for two to three minutes. Repeat on the other wrist. Drink more fluids If you're vomiting a lot, it's critical to drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration, even if you vomit some of them back up. Sip the fluids slowly. Drinking too much at one time when your stomach is upset may cause more vomiting. Fluids that help keep you hydrated and may ease nausea can include: herbal or mint tea lemonade water You can also suck on ice chips or popsicles to stay hydrated. If a doctor believes you're dehydrated due to vomiting, they may provide you with intravenous (IV) fluids. Try ginger, fennel, or cloves Pregnant people, children, and those with medical conditions should speak with a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies. Ginger Ginger supplements have been one of the most widely studied remedies for nausea and vomiting. According to research, ginger is likely safe and effective for preventing and treating nausea and vomiting in during pregnancy and for people undergoing chemotherapy. The review also suggested that ginger's active ingredients, gingerols and shogaols, can help speed up stomach emptying and reduce morning sickness. Still, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's best to check with a doctor first before using ginger or any other supplement. You can try sipping a cup of warm ginger tea slowly when nausea strikes. Or, slowly eat a small piece of fresh ginger root or candied ginger. You can also make fresh ginger tea by adding a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger root to one cup of boiling water. Steep to desired strength. You can strain the tea before drinking if you prefer. Fennel Fennel seeds are thought to help calm the digestive tract. Animal studies suggest that fennel may help promote healthy digestion, but human studies on fennel for relief from vomiting are lacking. Still, anecdotal evidence suggests it may be worth sipping a cup of fennel tea the next time nausea strikes. To make fennel tea, add about a teaspoon of fennel seeds to one cup of boiling water. Steep to desired strength and strain before drinking. Cloves Cloves have been used as a folk remedy for nausea and vomiting. A 2021 study in China wasn't able to confirm such benefits more broadly, but you can still try cloves either topically or as a tea if a doctor gives you the go-ahead. To make clove tea, add one cup of boiling water to a teaspoon or so of cloves. Steep to desired strength and strain before drinking. Can aromatherapy help stop nausea and vomiting? Aromatherapy may help relieve nausea and vomiting, although studies on its effectiveness are mixed. To practice aromatherapy, try deep breathing with an open essential oil bottle, an essential oil diffuser, or add a few drops to a cotton ball. Scents that are believed to have an effect on nausea can include: clove lemon ginger lavender chamomile rose fennel peppermint If you have asthma or another respiratory condition, ask your doctor before diffusing essential oils. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAI), using essential oils may increase breathing difficulties in some people. When to see a doctor Not all cases of nausea and vomiting require a visit to a doctor, especially if the symptoms are mild and temporary. However, you should call a doctor if: You or your child vomits for more than 24 hours. There's blood in your vomit. You have signs of dehydration, such as infrequent urination, dark urine, and dry mouth. Vomiting comes and goes for more than a month. You're losing weight from long-term nausea and vomiting. When vomiting is an emergency Sometimes vomiting can be a sign of an emergency situation. If you experience any of the following symptoms along with nausea and vomiting, have someone bring you to a hospital or contact local emergency medical services. These symptoms can include: chest pain severe abdominal pain blurred vision dizziness or fainting high fever stiff neck cold, clammy, pale skin severe headache being unable to keep food or liquids down for 12 hours Additionally, you should seek help right away if you think your symptoms are related to poisoning. Get help from the Poison Control Center online or call (800) 222-1222. Frequently asked questions How do I stop myself from vomiting? Some natural ways to help you stop vomiting include eating bland foods and crackers, trying aromatherapy or wrist acupressure, and taking some herbal supplements like ginger, fennel, or cloves. Some OTC medications may also provide relief from nausea and vomiting, such as Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate, antihistamines, or H1 blockers. It's important to speak with a healthcare professional if vomiting persists for more than 1 day. Get immediate medical attention if you're experiencing bloody vomit or it looks like coffee grounds. Some natural ways to help you stop vomiting include eating bland foods and crackers, trying aromatherapy or wrist acupressure, and taking some herbal supplements like ginger, fennel, or cloves. Some OTC medications may also provide relief from nausea and vomiting, such as Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate, antihistamines, or H1 blockers. It's important to speak with a healthcare professional if vomiting persists for more than 1 day. Get immediate medical attention if you're experiencing bloody vomit or it looks like coffee grounds. What can stop vomiting fast? Some prescription and OTC anti-emetic medications may help stop vomiting. However, their efficacy depends on the underlying cause. Other options may include wrist acupressure, consuming ginger, and deep breathing. Some prescription and OTC anti-emetic medications may help stop vomiting. However, their efficacy depends on the underlying cause. Other options may include wrist acupressure, consuming ginger, and deep breathing. What drink can stop vomiting? Some warm tea may help provide relief from nausea and vomiting, such as ginger, clove, and fennel teas. Some warm tea may help provide relief from nausea and vomiting, such as ginger, clove, and fennel teas. Can I drink water to stop vomiting? Drinking water very slowly or sucking on ice cubes may help keep water down. It will also provide essential hydration. However, drinking too much water at a time or drinking it too quickly often triggers more vomiting. Drinking water very slowly or sucking on ice cubes may help keep water down. It will also provide essential hydration. However, drinking too much water at a time or drinking it too quickly often triggers more vomiting.
Health Line
13 minutes ago
- Health Line
Is Schizophrenia a Personality Disorder?
Key takeaways Schizophrenia is not a personality disorder but rather a type of psychotic disorder listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders under 'schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders.' Symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, disorganized motor function, and negative symptoms like decreased self-motivation, diminished emotional expression, decreased speech output, social disinterest, and reduced ability to experience pleasure. Unlike personality disorders, which involve long-standing patterns of interactions that impact behavior, schizophrenia involves altered perceptions of reality. It typically presents with psychotic symptoms in adulthood, during the 20s or later in life, with varying frequency and severity of symptoms and episodes mixed with symptom-free periods. Many symptoms associated with mental health conditions can create social isolation, pressure, and a deterioration of relationships. Stigma and fear of judgment may keep you away from peers. Sometimes, the symptoms you're experiencing may contribute to low emotional expression or decreased ability to experience joy through others. Living with schizophrenia can present a number of these challenges, but it doesn't mean you're living with the rigid, long-term patterns of behavior that accompany a personality disorder. Is schizophrenia a personality disorder? Schizophrenia is not a personality disorder. It's a type of psychotic disorder listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5 th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR), under 'schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders.' Psychotic disorders involve altered perceptions of reality. These experiences make up the symptoms of psychosis, which are key features in all psychotic disorders. Psychotic symptoms include: hallucinations delusions disorganized thinking disorganized motor function negative symptoms What are negative symptoms? Negative symptoms are those indicating a loss of function. They include: avolition (decreased self-motivation) diminished emotional expression alogia (decreased speech output) asociality (social disinterest) anhedonia (decreased ability to experience pleasure) Symptoms of psychosis are primary features of schizophrenia. To receive a formal diagnosis, you must be experiencing delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized thinking for the majority of a 1-month period. According to the DSM-5-TR, schizophrenia typically presents with psychotic symptoms in adulthood, during your 20's, or later in life, depending on your circumstances. Symptoms can vary in frequency and severity and often come in episodes mixed with periods of time where you have no symptoms at all. Unlike schizophrenia, personality disorders don't have to include a component of psychosis. They're identified by long-standing patterns of behavior that impact how you interact with the world around you. Personality disorder characteristics tend to be more long-term and constant. They're often noticed in childhood and become enduring, rigid patterns of thought and action throughout life. Is schizophrenia a multiple personality disorder? In 2008, a survey from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found the greatest misconception surrounding schizophrenia was that it involved multiple or 'split' personalities. According to the report, 64% of Americans believe this to be true. Schizophrenia isn't a multiple personality disorder, but symptoms of psychosis can make it seem like someone has morphed into a completely different person. Hallucinations, for example, can mean hearing voices or seeing people who aren't actually there. Talking out loud at a hallucination might make it seem like you're talking with another 'self.' Similarly, delusions can change aspects of your personality. You might have been a long-term advocate of something only to suddenly cast it aside, due to delusion. Schizophrenia can make you — and those around you — feel as though your personality shifts during symptom episodes. In schizophrenia, however, you're experiencing psychosis, not dissociation, which is the mechanism underlying dissociative identity disorder (previously known as multiple personality disorder). It is possible, however, to be living with both schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder. What's dissociation? Dissociation is a mental escape mechanism that separates you from reality, often brought on by traumatic experiences. Dissociation is one way your brain tries to protect itself by distancing you from overwhelming memories and circumstances. Schizophrenia vs. schizotypal personality disorder Schizotypal personality disorder is considered a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder. You may have an increased chance of developing this condition if you have a family history of schizophrenia. Despite this link and some overlapping symptoms, these conditions aren't the same. Schizotypal personality disorder in the DSM-5-TR is a Cluster A personality disorder that involves overarching eccentric behaviors and beliefs. Like all personality disorders, schizotypal personality disorder features an inner experience different from cultural norms. It emerges in childhood and contributes to challenges in maintaining close interpersonal relationships. The uncommon behaviors and thoughts in schizotypal personality disorder can be similar to hallucinations and delusions in schizophrenia. Delusions are unwavering beliefs in something that can be proven otherwise. When you're experiencing a delusion, no evidence to the contrary will sway your belief, not even seeing, hearing, or participating in undeniable proof. Schizotypal personality disorder involves nontraditional beliefs; however, they're often related to intangible concepts, like clairvoyance, the paranormal, or superstitions. They're not necessarily rigid or untrue, though they can be. You may also experience unusual sensory perceptions or 'bodily illusions' when living with schizotypal personality disorder. Unlike hallucinations, these sensory distortions involve real stimuli — just misinterpreted. Schizotypal personality disorder symptoms According to the DSM-5-TR, symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder can include: a persistent belief that everything happening is directly related to you magical thinking that influences behavior and decisions preoccupation with paranormal phenomena bodily illusions atypical perceptual experiences uncommon, sometimes metaphorical, speech patterns and thinking paranoid ideation suspiciousness atypical emotional responses (or lack thereof) eccentric behavior unkempt appearance persistent social anxiety even in familiar company Living with schizotypal personality disorder may come with transient or passing psychotic episodes. These reality lapses can last minutes to hours and tend to be in response to stress. If they occur, the DSM-5-TR states they rarely meet the criteria for an additional psychotic disorder diagnosis. Treatment options of schizophrenia vs. schizotypal personality disorder Both schizophrenia and schizotypal personality disorder are lifelong conditions that can involve psychotherapy and medications to help lessen their impact. Medications may be used for both disorders. You may be prescribed: antipsychotics antidepressants anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medications) The medications your healthcare team recommends will be based on your symptoms, but antipsychotics are considered a first-line treatment approach when psychosis is present. Psychotherapy can also help you cope with a schizophrenia spectrum condition, though research is limited on how effective it is for schizotypal personality disorder. Common therapies include: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group therapy compliance therapy meta-cognitive training mindfulness therapy narrative therapy Coordinated specialty care (CSC) might also make a difference in your quality of life. CSC involves a multidisciplinary support network to help you adjust to living and working with schizophrenia. Delusions and skewed perceptions, however, can make it difficult to recognize the need for treatment when living with schizophrenia or schizotypal personality disorder.
