“But what can a Psychiatrist do about my Bowel?!” Borderline Personality Disorder in Primary Care: A Qualitative Analysis of Patient Experience.
Date
2008Author
Campbell, Claire W
Metadata
Abstract
Background: Borderline Personality disorder (BPD) is one of the most common
disorders presenting to General Adult Psychiatry. Characterized by mood instability,
impulsive, self-harming behaviour and significant difficulties in interpersonal
relationships this disorder presents a significant challenge to those involved in their
care. General Practitioners (GPs) are an important part of health care. In addition to
meeting physical health needs they support the management of psychiatric illness
and are the gatekeepers to other services. In recent years research into personality
disorders has proliferated, mainly within specialist mental health services. Less is
known about patterns of health care in primary care and what the experience of these
services is like for individuals with BPD.
Aim: The aim of the study is to ask individuals with a diagnosis of BPD about their
experience of going to see their GP.
Methods: Eleven individuals with a diagnosis of BPD were asked about their
contact with GPs by way of a semi-structured interview. Interviews were recorded
and analysis was carried out using an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
Results: Five super ordinate themes were identified: Experience of Having a BPD
Diagnosis, Perceptions of GPs, Invalidating Experiences, Sense of Self and What
Works Well.
Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that many individuals with a diagnosis of
BPD struggle in their consultations with GPs. Unsatisfactory encounters are
internalised and reinforce perceived stigma thus perpetuating an already damaged
sense of self. GPs need to have more awareness about such issues in order to deliver
services more effectively to this population due to possible implications for mental
and physical well being.