What is a defining feature of a personality disorder?

A defining feature of a personality disorder is a chronic, inflexible pattern that impairs functioning. Personality disorders are characterized by enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that deviate markedly from the expectations of an individual's culture. These patterns are pervasive and can lead to significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning.

Individuals with personality disorders often exhibit rigid and maladaptive traits that affect their relationships and their ability to adapt to different contexts or situations. This inflexibility is a hallmark of personality disorders, distinguishing them from other mental health conditions that may have more variable symptoms or triggers.

The other options highlight symptoms or conditions that do not encapsulate the essence of personality disorders. For instance, experiencing major mood swings is more associated with mood disorders, repetitive and compulsive behaviors may indicate obsessive-compulsive disorder, and the fear of public places or social situations pertains to anxiety disorders. These distinctions help clarify why the chronic, inflexible patterns are central to understanding personality disorders specifically.