Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder: How to work empathically with people with BPD

A presentation by Psychiatrist Dr Lara Gurgone

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a common disorder, affecting up to 6% of the population (NHMRC 2012). GPs are at the frontline of diagnosis and treatment, but are often uncertain about making diagnoses and lack confidence in treating people living with BPD. BPD itself is a complex psychiatric disorder with problematic symptoms, for both patients and their health professionals. Accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment can be challenging, making it difficult to provide effective medical care. This session will educate GPs on how to recognise clinical presentations of BPD, empathically diagnose and treat the symptoms of the condition. Specifically, the session will also focus on the importance of a biopsychosocial approach to care and the benefit of non-stigmatising psychoeducation. GPs attending this session will gain insight into planning treatment and how to set patients up for success, including consideration of care planning and crisis management.

CPD Points: Two (2) Category 2 CPD points earned by attending this event

Learning Outcomes

1. Recognise signs and symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
2. Understand the importance of a biopsychosocial approach to treatment
3. Explain the diagnosis to patients empathically
4. Develop successful treatment plans and crisis management planning techniques