The Difference Between a Mental Health Disorder and a Personality Disorder
Although they both can determine the actions and reactions of a person, mental health disorders and personality disorders are quite different. Understanding the differences between these disorders can help alleviate stigmas in society and increase awareness about how to help. Mental Health Disorders The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) defines mental illness as […]
Although they both can determine the actions and reactions of a person, mental health disorders and personality disorders are quite different. Understanding the differences between these disorders can help alleviate stigmas in society and increase awareness about how to help.
Mental Health Disorders
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) defines mental illness as “a health condition that changes a person’s thinking, feeling, or behavior (or all three) and causes that person distress and difficulty in functioning.” Mental health disorders often vary in severity, depending on the person. Some common examples of mental health disorders include:- Depression
- Anxiety disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Personality Disorders
As defined by NIMH, a personality disorder is “an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of the individual’s culture.” Personality disorders are fairly common, with approximately 9% of U.S. adults having a personality disorder. A personality disorder is often fixed, with consistent challenges or difficulties associated with the disorder. Conversely, borderline personality disorder is when a person experiences intense changes in mood or self-image. Personality disorders can be minor or severe, similar to mental health disorders. Most people with personality disorders do not “look” sick, intensifying the stigma and lack of understanding by society. The main criteria for a personality disorder is that people have a distorted sense of who they are. Some types of personality disorders include:- Paranoid
- Schizoid
- Dissocial
- Emotionally unstable
- Histrionic
- Anankastic
- Anxious (or avoidant)
- Dependent
- Mild: All the criteria for a personality disorder are met. Though there are some issues, this person can function in society by working, having relationships, being part of a family, etc. A person with a mild personality disorder may have severe trouble in certain contexts like self-direction or self-worth but function well in others. Mild personality disorders are not associated with harm to oneself or others.
- Moderate: All the criteria for a personality disorder are met, but this person also has a significant amount of problems functioning in society. Some struggle with identity, sense of self, the ability to form intimate relationships, or the ability to control impulses. The most common problems are with personal relationships, which may affect other aspects of daily life such as job performance, family, or intimacy. Moderate personality disorder can sometimes be associated with harm to oneself or others.
- Severe: All the criteria for a personality disorder are met, but this person has a significantly hard time functioning in society. Those with severe personality disorder suffer from a lack of sense of self so severe that they may have no idea who they are. This affects all relationships and impacts all aspects of daily life, including social, occupational, educational, and family. Severe personality disorders are often associated with harm to oneself or others.
