The terms "personality disorder," "mental illness," and "mental disorder" are related but have distinct meanings:
Personality Disorder: A personality disorder refers to a long-term pattern of behavior, thoughts, and emotions that deviate significantly from the expectations of the individual's culture. These patterns are deeply ingrained and often cause distress for the person experiencing them and can affect their relationships and daily functioning. Personality disorders are typically diagnosed in adulthood and can be challenging to treat. Examples of personality disorders include Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder.
Mental Illness: The term "mental illness" is an umbrella term that encompasses a broad range of conditions that affect a person's mental health. Mental illnesses are health conditions involving changes in thinking, emotions, behavior, or a combination of these. These conditions can cause distress, impair daily functioning, and can be diagnosed and treated by mental health professionals. Mental illnesses include disorders like depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders, among others.
Mental Disorder: The term "mental disorder" is a general term used to describe any condition that affects mental health and disrupts an individual's thoughts, emotions, behavior, or social functioning. This is a broader category that includes both personality disorders and mental illnesses. Mental disorders can range from mild to severe, and they can have various causes, including biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
In summary, a personality disorder is a specific type of mental disorder characterized by enduring and inflexible patterns of behavior, thoughts, and emotions. Mental illness is a more general term that encompasses a wide range of mental health conditions, including personality disorders. Mental disorder is an even broader term that includes any condition affecting mental health, whether it's a personality disorder, mental illness, or other mental health condition.