New Guide on Borderline Personality Disorder
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler launched a new guide to assist health professionals to recognise and treat Borderline Personality Disorder.
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15 March 2013
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler today launched a new guide to assist health professionals to recognise and treat Borderline Personality Disorder.
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.
Mr Butler said Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) was the most serious and common of the personality disorders, affecting adolescents and adults
“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.”
“However, treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder is effective and people can recover and lead fulfilling lives.”
The new guideline will complement the Government’s record $2.2 billion investment in better mental health services, including through the Partners in Recovery initiative which is of particular relevance for those with a lived experience of BPD.
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.
Mr Butler thanked those involved in the development of the Guideline at today’s Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Conference.
Guidelines can be found at the National Health and Medical Research website.
For more information contact the minister’s office on 02 6277 7280
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