The Federal Government has released a new guide to assist health professionals to recognise and treat Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

The Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Borderline Personality Disorder was developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) at the Government’s request.

Federal Minister for Mental Health Ageing Mark Butler, said that BPD is the most serious and common of the personality disorders, affecting adolescents and adults alike.

“Borderline Personality Disorder is estimated to affect at least one per cent of the population,” Mr Butler said.
“It is associated with a high risk of suicide and causes significant loss and grief for individuals, their families and friends.”

Mr Butler said the new guide was designed to improve understanding and recognition of BPD in health services and in the broader community.
“It includes 63 recommendations on diagnosis, management, and treatment and information for carers and families.”
The guide is part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to build capacity in the mental health sector, including:

  • Support under the Access to Allied Psychological Services Program for mental health providers through a clinical advisory service and new operational guidelines for clinical practice.
  • New guidelines for professionals to inform provision of support for groups such as adult survivors of child abuse and people with intellectual disability who have a mental illness
  • Support to GPs and other health professionals to deliver services and accredit mental health training for GPs.