As with most conditions, large numbers of people with milder forms of the disorder will be managed within primary care, smaller numbers with more severe difficulties will be managed in secondary care and a yet smaller number with the most severe difficulties will receive input from specialist tertiary services. Even at the most severe end of the spectrum of difficulties, community treatment is generally preferred to hospital treatment for the reasons outlined in the Inpatient Section.

General issues relating to care and treatment of personality disorder within Primary Care and Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) are discussed in this section. Specific psychosocial and pharmacological interventions are discussed in their respective sections.