Which of the following is NOT considered a characteristic of personality disorders in Axis II?

A characteristic of personality disorders in Axis II is that they typically involve long-term patterns of behavior, thoughts, and emotions that are deeply ingrained and emerge during adolescence or early adulthood. Acute onset, which implies a sudden and rapid development of symptoms, does not align with the nature of personality disorders. Instead, these disorders tend to progress gradually over time and are characterized by chronicity rather than quick changes.

Chronic instability often describes the fluctuating emotions and behaviors seen in some personality disorders, while eccentric behavior can be associated with certain types of personality disorders, such as paranoid or schizotypal personality disorder. Thus, understanding that personality disorders develop slowly and persist over a long duration helps clarify why acute onset does not fit within their profile.