Which disorder within Cluster A is characterized by odd beliefs leading to interpersonal difficulties and magical thinking?

• A. Paranoid
• B. Schizoid
• C. Schizotypal
• D. Avoidant

Answer: (C)

Schizotypal personality disorder is the one in Cluster A that fits this description. It involves odd or eccentric beliefs and thinking, including magical thinking, along with discomfort in close relationships and unusual or eccentric behavior. These odd beliefs and superstitious or telepathic ideas can lead to interpersonal difficulties because others may find the person’s thinking inconsistent with reality or hard to relate to.

Paranoid personality disorder centers on pervasive distrust and suspicion of others, not magical thinking. Schizoid personality disorder features social detachment and restricted affect, not odd beliefs. Avoidant personality disorder (in Cluster C) involves social inhibition due to fear of rejection, not magical thinking. So the combination of odd beliefs and magical thinking causing interpersonal strain points to schizotypal personality disorder.