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A personality disorder is characterized by rigid and unhealthy patterns of thinking, functioning, and behaving. Individuals with personality disorders typically display persistent and inflexible behaviors that deviate significantly from cultural expectations. These maladaptive patterns can impair social, occupational, and other areas of functioning, leading to difficulties in relationships and various aspects of daily life.

Personality disorders often manifest in various ways, affecting how individuals perceive themselves and interact with others. This rigidity in thought and behavior distinguishes personality disorders from other mental health conditions. While emotional and mood disorders involve fluctuations in emotions and feelings, personality disorders are more about enduring traits and behaviors that are consistently present over time and across different situations.

In contrast, emotional disorders typically involve mood disturbances, and mood disorders specifically focus on emotional regulation problems, while temporary mental health issues do not encapsulate the long-standing nature of personality disorders. Thus, the defining characteristic of personality disorders lies in their pervasive and enduring nature, which is adequately captured in the selection that highlights rigid and unhealthy patterns of thinking, functioning, and behaving.