Commentary: Bringing together lived experience, clinical and research expertise – a commentary on the May 2022 debate (should CAMH professionals be diagnosing personality disorder in adolescence?)

Hartley, S and Baker, C and Birtwhistle, M and Burgess, J L and Chatburn, E and Cobbaert, L and Howley, M and Huggett, C and MacKenzie-Nash, C and Newton, A and Parry, Sarah and Smith, J and Taylor, C D J and Taylor, P J and Timoclea, R (2022) Commentary: Bringing together lived experience, clinical and research expertise – a commentary on the May 2022 debate (should CAMH professionals be diagnosing personality disorder in adolescence?). Child and Adolescent Mental Health. pp. 246-249. ISSN 1475-357X

Abstract

Background There is a wealth of evidence to suggest that the Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD, or similar Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder, EUPD) construct is harmful. We provide a commentary on the ideas expressed in the May Debate issue, highlighting both concerns and alternatives. Method We bring together lived experience, clinical and research expertise. This commentary was written collaboratively drawing on all these sources of evidence. Results We outline evidence that the BPD construct is invalid, harmful, not necessary for effective treatment and a potential block to the development and evaluation of alternatives. Conclusions We ask readers to consider these concerns, perspectives and ideas.