What type of psychological disorders are characterized by inflexible behavior patterns that impair social functioning?

Personality disorders are defined by enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate markedly from the expectations of an individual's culture. These patterns are inflexible, pervasive across various situations, and lead to significant impairments in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Individuals with personality disorders often have difficulty relating to others and may struggle with maintaining healthy relationships due to their rigid thinking and behavior styles. This contrasts with neurotic disorders, psychotic disorders, and affective disorders, which do not primarily emphasize inflexible behavior patterns. Instead, neurotic disorders are associated with anxiety and mood fluctuations, psychotic disorders involve distorted perceptions of reality, and affective disorders focus on mood disturbances, such as depression or bipolar disorder. Thus, personality disorders stand out as those specifically marked by inflexible behaviors that significantly impact social functioning.