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Personality disorder and personality-related conditions are by their very nature complex. Their inherent complexity means that these conditions often require relatively more time to assess than many other disorders. Three to four sessions to assess and formulate is not untypical. Accurate diagnosis, formulation and treatment planning maximises the chance of recovery from these chronic conditions, which are associated with so much distress, poor functioning and resource uptake.

Personality disorder should no longer be viewed as a diagnosis of exclusion. In other words, it should be considered as a diagnostic possibility from an early point in the assessment process, rather than only receiving consideration later in the process when other diagnoses have been excluded. Early consideration of the diagnosis helps to avoid situations where patients receive inappropriate, unnecessary and sometimes harmful treatments.

While undoubtedly essential, diagnosis should constitute only one part of a broader formulation of an individual’s situation, their condition and their needs. In general terms, it is more important to identify the presence of personality disorder and to assess its severity than to subtype into specific personality categories. Personality disorder presents with certain symptoms which are predicated upon the interaction of an individuals personality traits and their environment. It is important to assess both symptoms and traits.

Personality disorder and personality-related conditions are by their very nature complex. Their inherent complexity means that these conditions often require relatively more time to assess than many other disorders. Three to four sessions to assess and formulate is not untypical. Accurate diagnosis, formulation and treatment planning maximises the chance of recovery from these chronic conditions, which are associated with so much distress, poor functioning and resource uptake.

Personality disorder should no longer be viewed as a diagnosis of exclusion. In other words, it should be considered as a diagnostic possibility from an early point in the assessment process, rather than only receiving consideration later in the process when other diagnoses have been excluded. Early consideration of the diagnosis helps to avoid situations where patients receive inappropriate, unnecessary and sometimes harmful treatments.

While undoubtedly essential, diagnosis should constitute only one part of a broader formulation of an individual’s situation, their condition and their needs. In general terms, it is more important to identify the presence of personality disorder and to assess its severity than to subtype into specific personality categories. Personality disorder presents with certain symptoms which are predicated upon the interaction of an individuals personality traits and their environment. It is important to assess both symptoms and traits.