Providing effective treatment for borderline personality disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious but treatable mental health condition with a good prognosis for those who access appropriate treatment. Early identification, provision of brief interventions and continuity of care aids remission, and is possible without general practitioners (GPs) getting burned out.

This paper provides a brief overview of practical tips and useful resources for GPs to feel more equipped to provide effective care and support remission for individuals diagnosed with BPD.

People with BPD frequently present with complex problems and GPs can perceive patients as challenging to work with. It can be empowering for clinicians to consider a diagnosis of BPD when expectations of a challenging encounter occur. Early recognition and validation of underlying distress, psychoeducation and structured support can make a significant difference. Suicidal behaviour occurs in 80% of individuals with BPD, and they have a 20 year reduction in life expectancy, largely attributable to chronic diseases. This emphasises the importance of continuity in primary care.