Published

2009.6.1

Issued by

DH, The Department of Health

Abstract

Personality disorder (PD) presents many faces across society. Whenhuman development is disrupted or  disturbed, the psychological, social and economic consequences can touch every part of the individual's life, with repercussions for families, communities and society in general. Some people may struggle with alienated and chaotic lives, asking little of public services. Others may use a range of services (perhaps for substance misuse, or self-harm or criminality) to little benefit. Recognising and understanding the complex nature of PD, and responding effectively, is a growing concern for public services. In 2003, the publication of Personality disorder: No longer a diagnosis of exclusion1 provided new impetus for mental health services to address the needs of a challenging but disadvantaged client group.