Where mood disorders can cause temporary or fluctuating changes in mood, personality disorders cause symptoms that remain consistent over time and across a range of situations.
For example, bipolar disorder is a mood disorder. It may change a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions while they are experiencing an episode, but when the episode is over, or the person receives treatment, the symptoms may get better.
In contrast, a person with a personality disorder has symptoms that affect their thinking and behavior much or all of the time. Many people with personality disorders also have other conditions, which could include a mood disorder.
This article explores the similarities and differences between personality disorders versus mood disorders. It also lists the conditions within each category.
“Personality disorder” and “mood disorder” are umbrella terms that refer to two different types of mental health condition.
Personality disorders influence many aspects of a person’s way of thinking and behaving. They are
Mood disorders can affect thoughts and behaviors in ways that resemble a personality disorder, but they are not necessarily constant. Some have distinct “episodes” where symptoms get worse or periods of time when symptoms improve or go away entirely.
| Mood disorder | Personality disorder | |
|---|---|---|
| Symptom pattern | May fluctuate over time | Remains consistent over time |
| Effect | Can affect any aspect of life, but it depends on the severity | Always affects many aspects of life |
| Severity | Usually severe, though in some disorders, symptoms can reduce with age or treatment | Usually severe, though in some disorders symptoms can reduce with age or treatment |
| Prognosis | With treatment and support, the prognosis can be positive | Varies significantly depending on the disorder |
From the outside, it can be difficult to distinguish between personality disorders and mood disorders. Some of these conditions cause similar effects, such as:
- low mood
- low self-esteem
- changes in daily habits, such as sleeping or eating
- emotional dysregulation
- withdrawing from others
- disruption to relationships, work, or daily functioning
- suicidal thoughts or self-harm
Both types of condition can also affect a person’s speech, movements, or appearance. The way health professionals tell them apart is by looking at how a person’s symptoms affect them
There are
Cluster A
- paranoid personality disorder, which causes a deep mistrust and suspicion of others
- schizoid personality disorder, which causes detachment from others and disinterest in relationships
- schizotypal personality disorder, which causes distorted perceptions and discomfort relating to people
Cluster B
- borderline personality disorder (BPD), which causes an unstable sense of self and fear of abandonment
- histrionic personality disorder, which causes excessive emotions and attention-seeking behaviors
- narcissistic personality disorder, which causes an intense need for admiration and a lack of empathy
- antisocial personality disorder, which causes a lack of empathy and disregard for others
Cluster C
- avoidant personality disorder, which causes intense social anxiety and avoidance of others
- dependent personality disorder, in which a person feels excessively dependent on others
- obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, which causes a preoccupation with order and perfection
OCPD is different from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which is not a personality disorder and has different symptoms.
Mood disorders include conditions such as:
Depression
Depression is one of the most common mood disorders and one of the most common mental health conditions. Several types include:
- major depressive disorder, which causes a low mood or loss of interest in activities lasting
at least 2 weeks - persistent depressive disorder, which causes less pronounced symptoms but for a long period of time
- prenatal or postpartum depression, which occurs before or after giving birth
- seasonal affective disorder, which occurs during specific seasons, often cold or dark seasons
- depression with symptoms of psychosis, which involves hallucinations or delusions
Bipolar disorder
Unlike depression, which only causes a low mood, people with bipolar disorder can vary between a neutral mood, mania, or depression.
Sometimes, people can experience features of both mania and depression at the same time. In other cases, they are distinct, with depression following a manic episode.
The types of bipolar disorder
- bipolar I, which has episodes of mania and often also depression
- bipolar II, where the mania is less pronounced
- cyclothymia, which is similar to bipolar II, but with less intense or shorter mood changes
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
PMDD is a mood disorder similar to depression. However, it only occurs before a menstrual period. The symptoms are absent throughout the rest of the menstrual cycle and improve in the days after a period begins.
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)
If a person suspects they have any kind of mental health condition, they should speak with a doctor or psychologist. People should also seek advice if they:
- frequently feel down, angry, or numb
- experience periods of feeling elated or invincible
- notice changes to their appetite or sleeping patterns
- have difficulty maintaining relationships or working
A medical professional can discuss a person’s symptoms and some possible ways forward.
It is worth noting that not all mood or behavior-related symptoms are the result of a mental health condition. They can also be a result of:
- nutritional deficiencies
- medications or drugs
- temporary situations or stressors
- physical illnesses
- neurodivergence
This is why it is important to get medical guidance rather than trying to self-diagnose. Different causes of mood or behavior changes require different types of support.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Personality disorders and mood disorders are two different types of mental health condition. Personality disorders affect how a person thinks or behaves consistently in many areas of their life, whereas mood disorders can cause more temporary or changeable symptoms.
Both conditions can be severe, but personality disorders can be more challenging to treat. So far, only BPD has specific talk therapies to treat it, and it is one of the personality disorders that can enter remission.
However, social support, medications, and talk therapy can still help to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life in many mental health conditions.
People with concerns about their mental health should speak with a professional to understand the possible causes and get the support they need.