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What’s The Difference Between A Mood Disorder And A Personality Disorder?

What’s The Difference Between A Mood Disorder And A Personality Disorder?

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Many people confuse different mental health illnesses as these mental health disorders bear similar signs. Some of the most common ones are sadness, irritability, lack of concentration, and social isolation. Due to such similarity, it is easy to misinterpret one mental health disorder with another. Now, you might have heard so many discussions on mood disorder vs personality disorder. Both mental health disorders may look similar in terms of signs. However, there are some differences. Continue reading to learn more.

What Is A Mood Disorder?

A mood disorder is a mental health disorder that majorly impacts a person’s emotional state. An affected person experiences prolonged extreme happiness, sadness, or sometimes both.

Mood shifting depends on the situation; however, a diagnosis is developed based on noticeable signs for weeks or longer. Mood changes are so severe that they can trigger changes in a person’s behavior and negatively affect the potential of managing routine work such as family, work, or academic performance.

Know The Signs

  • Extreme sadness
  • Lowered energy
  • Hopelessness
  • Unhealthy eating habits
  • Sudden changes in weight
  • High energy
  • Agitation
  • Irritability
  • Racing thoughts
  • Sleeping issues
  • Indulge in risky acts
  • Fast speech

Read More: Understanding the Stages of Psychosis

What Is A Personality Disorder?

Personality means how a person thinks, perceives, reacts, and relates to others. Personality disorder develops if these traits become so rigid, marked, and unadaptable that they negatively impact the affected person’s interpersonal and work functioning. Personality disorders can cause significant pain for the sufferer and also with the people they interact with. The harmful behaviors of such a person are the primary reason for seeking professional help from a mental health expert, not due to the discomfort they experience with their thoughts and feelings.

What Are The Common Signs?

  • Distrust
  • Suspiciousness
  • Peculiar dress
  • Arrogant behavior
  • Difficulties with law
  • Unbending about ethics
  • Can’t stand criticism or rejection
  • Unstable self-image
  • Attention seeking behavior
  • Disregard for someone’s right
  • Beliefs that someone will harm them

Some Common Types Of Personality Disorders

Here are some of the common personality disorders.

Paranoid personality disorder:

A paranoid personality disorder is identified by extreme mistrust of other people and strange suspiciousness that others will harm them. This personality disorder type makes a person misinterpret the behaviors and intentions of the surrounding people. Signs can include extreme suspiciousness, such as holding grudges for prolonged periods, issues in trusting others, and a tendency to blame others for all the problems in their lives.

Schizoid personality disorder:

A schizoid personality disorder is diagnosed when a person withdraws and isolates themselves from society and other people. Those with this personality type do not like engaging in intimate relationships and tend to stay alone and do things like watching TV or reading. Symptoms may include compromised facial expression, lack of close friendship, no interest in activities, and inattention to joys or punishments.

Antisocial personality disorder:

There is one more type of personality disorder, and it is called antisocial personality disorder. If you have an antisocial personality, you may experience low regard for the rights of others and no pity for them, and you are usually impulsive. This personality type involves the person being a thief or a vandal and is generally known to be a threat to others. Some signs are deceitfulness, dishonesty, aggression, recklessness, and doing things on impulse while neglecting personal or other people’s safety.

Borderline personality disorder:

People suffering from borderline personality disorder exhibit marked affective dysregulation and impulsive actions, which were observed during these nine days. Thus, individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder show maladaptive behaviors in their interactions with other people and often fight a lot. Some of the signs are anger disorder, erratic behavior, risky and self-destructive tendencies, and fear of being left alone.

Histrionic personality disorder:

A histrionic personality disorder, therefore, makes the affected individual very dramatic and attention-seeking. This personality characteristic involves magnifying feelings to command society’s attention. Some signs can be characterized as excessively dramatic or excessively sexual, an extreme need for approval, and problems with interpersonal relationships.

Avoidant personality disorder:

An avoidant personality disorder entails being extremely socially withdrawn and feeling socially inept. This type of person usually has low self-esteem and isolates themselves from social functions because they feel rejected. Some manifestations are low self-esteem, believing one is awkward in front of others, and fearing interaction with people.

This is essential information to know. Mood may be affected by anxiety, and it is necessary to stress that an anxiety disorder is different from a mood disorder, but it is a dangerous mental disorder.

Dependent personality disorder:

A dependent personality disorder involves a basic fear of being apart as well as having constant demands toward someone to be cared for. This personality type usually makes people depend on their superiors to make decisions on their behalf.

Read More: Understanding The Connection Between Male Depression And Emotional Affairs

What Is The Primary Difference Between A Mood Disorder And A Personality Disorder?

Mood and personality disorders are types of mental health disorders but have different signs and impacts on the affected person. Mood disorders are all about patterns in feelings. On the other hand, personality disorders focus on how individuals relate to others.

However, mood disorders also negatively impact the social life of an affected person. And personality disorders can also influence someone’s mood. The diagnosis of a personality disorder can be pretty tricky, even more so when the individual has bipolar disorder. Moreover, suppose a specific person has a personality disorder. In that case, the person will misbehave and, hence, cause several negative behaviors that affect their relationships with family or friends.

It differs from mood indicators such as depression, obsession, or hypomania. However, the difference probably becomes clearer only when the pattern of the challenging behavior is displayed after mood symptoms have remitted. Unfortunately, many of those who have mood disorders are not at that phase yet. However, the theoretical difference between the two is hard to reveal.

The key difference? The symptoms each one causes. This is characterized by episodes of joy or low mood, which is a feature of mood disorders. Mood swings are characteristic of some personality disorders, but they are not a primary sign of personality disorders. The challenge for your healthcare provider is that two conditions are diagnosed, and both of them can lead to emotional and mood issues. It’s not about looking at symptoms but rather the pattern of symptoms.

Treatment Options For Mood Disorders And Personality Disorder

Both mood disorders and personality disorders are best treated with a combination of psychotherapy and psychiatric medications. However, the effectiveness depends on the individual differences. One of the defining differences is that individuals suffering from mood disorders can show improvement with psychiatric medicines alone. However, the improvement is not the same in personality disorder. The treatment for personality disorder relies on psychotherapy to help manage the signs.

Mood disorders cannot be treated as effectively if only one psychiatric medication or psychotherapy is used. Antidepressant drugs help in reducing symptoms of depression; on the other hand, therapy, like the most common cognitive behavioral therapy, assists the affected individual in exchanging their detrimental thought patterns for healthy ones by using different techniques for coping. Nevertheless, bipolar disorder puts emphasis majorly on drugs. The rationale for this is that bipolar disorder usually requires the person to be on psychiatric medications for the remainder of their life with the use of mood stabilizers.

Additionally, for individuals with personality disorders, psychotherapy is crucial for symptom management. This happens because personality disorders develop due to psychological responses to life events. For example, psychiatric medication can only regulate someone’s mood, but it can’t change how they form, develop, and maintain their relationships.

Concluding Remarks!

Mood disorders and personality disorders are two different yet most confusing mental health disorders. However, the primary difference lies in the focus and impact. Mood disorders primarily focus on a person’s emotions and cause a person to experience extended states of high mood, persistently low mood, or both. On the other hand, personality disorders involve an individual’s ways of relating to others, thinking about others, and behaving toward others in inflexible and pathological manners. However, the best news is that both mental health disorders have treatment, and people who are suffering from the two should seek medical attention. The therapies that are almost always used with the patient are psychotropic drugs and talk therapies.

If you are also experiencing any of these two mental health disorders and you feel confused. Then wait no more, and get in touch with Orange Coast Psychiatry today to attain mental health recovery from mood disorders or personality disorders.

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Shaheena Gazipura

PMHNP-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.

Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.

Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.

Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

 

Shaheena Gazipura

PMHNP-BC

Shaheena Gazipura is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 9 years of dedicated experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.

Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.

Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.

Outside of her professional life, Shaheena enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, staying active through exercise, and planning her next travel adventures.

Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

PMHNP-BC

Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry

Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.

With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.

Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.

Cristian Cuevas

PMHNP-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.

A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.

Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.

Cristian Cuevas is the Lead Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is supervised by Dr Barrios.

Griselda Hernandez

PMHNP-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

As a licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a robust background in psychiatric and substance abuse nursing, Griselda provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. The core of her practice focuses on promoting holistic wellness, fostering resilience, and empowering patients in their recovery journey. Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adolescents with various mental health disorders, Griselda strives to create a therapeutic environment where patients feel valued, respected, and supported.
“My approach is grounded in years of diverse experience, including work in psychiatric units and medical detox units for both adults and adolescents. This extensive background has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to manage complex psychiatric and substance abuse conditions effectively. I am committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in psychiatric care, integrating cutting-edge therapies and best practices into my treatment plans. Collaboration is key to my practice; I work closely with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community resources to provide coordinated and comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.”
Griselda holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from West Coast University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Additionally, she is fluent in the English and Spanish language, enhancing her ability to connect with a diverse patient population.
Griselda currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.