Which of the following exemplifies a symptom of schizotypal personality disorder?

• A. Excessive need for admiration and lack of empathy
• B. Odd or eccentric behavior and magical thinking
• C. Persistent disregard for the rights of others
• D. Recurrent panic attacks and avoidance of social situations

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core features of schizotypal personality disorder (SPD). SPD is characterized by odd or eccentric behavior, unusual beliefs or magical thinking, and social anxiety that does not diminish with familiarity.
2. Step 2: Review each option and compare it to the known symptoms of SPD. For example, 'excessive need for admiration and lack of empathy' aligns more with narcissistic personality disorder, not SPD.
3. Step 3: Recognize that 'persistent disregard for the rights of others' is a hallmark of antisocial personality disorder, which differs from SPD.
4. Step 4: Note that 'recurrent panic attacks and avoidance of social situations' are symptoms more typical of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder or social anxiety disorder, rather than SPD.
5. Step 5: Identify that 'odd or eccentric behavior and magical thinking' directly corresponds to the diagnostic criteria for schizotypal personality disorder, making it the correct example of a symptom.