Personality disorder

In a personality disorder, long-standing patterns of feeling, thinking and relating to others are so strong that they cause considerable distress or problems. The person is not their diagnosis; appropriate psychotherapy and support can bring change.

• Recurring problems with trust, closeness, boundaries or conflict in relationships.
• An unstable, very negative or fragile self-image.
• Make a crisis and early-warning plan together, including early signs, helpful actions and people to contact.
• Practise skills for naming emotions, pausing and delaying impulsive actions.
• Make an appointment if recurring patterns in emotions, relationships or impulses cause considerable distress or limitations.
• For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.