Which symptom might indicate a personality disorder?

A pathological disturbance in affect or cognition is indicative of a personality disorder because personality disorders are characterized by long-standing patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviates markedly from the expectations of an individual's cultural context. These disturbances can manifest as rigid and enduring patterns of thought and emotion that impact how individuals perceive themselves and relate to others. Such problems are often pervasive and inflexible, leading to significant distress or impairment in functioning.

In contrast, short-term mood swings, occasional depressive episodes, and seasonal affective disorder typically relate more to mood disorders. These conditions can be episodic and often have distinct triggers or timeframes, unlike the more stable and pervasive patterns seen in personality disorders. Thus, recognizing the distinction between these symptoms is crucial in understanding mental health diagnoses.