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HEADCASE
← What's the Difference?

Personality trait vs Personality disorder

Personality trait

Stable tendencies — like being sensitive, outgoing or cautious — that are part of who you are.

vs

Personality disorder

Long-standing patterns that are inflexible, pervasive and cause significant distress or difficulty across many areas of life.

where they overlap

Disorders are described in terms of traits.

the key difference

Flexibility, pervasiveness and impact.