Services for people with personality disorder

After years of relative neglect, increased efforts are being made to improve services for people with personality disorder (PD). Mental health services can play an important part in supporting people with PD and facilitating access to psychological therapies and dedicated PD services. Although further evidence is required to determine the most effective and cost-effective ways of helping people with PD, there is a broad consensus about general principles for working with people with PD that can help to ensure that best use is made of the resources that are currently available. PD services need to be consistent and reliable, to promote self-efficacy, and to ensure that services users are actively involved in their treatment. Realistic expectations are needed regarding what contact with services can help someone achieve and to help people identify short- and long-term goals. Clear communication between all those involved in providing services for people with PD is important, as are opportunities for reflective practice.