Confidence of psychiatry trainees in meeting the needs of borderline personality disorder in comparison with schizophrenia.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE\nBorderline personality disorder (BPD) and schizophrenia are both serious and chronic mental health conditions of similar prevalence. This study was designed to assess trainees confidence in the assessment, management and treatment of BPD in comparison with schizophrenia.\n\n\nMETHODS\nA survey was used to assess psychiatry trainees confidence and experience of training with regard to managing BPD and schizophrenia.\n\n\nRESULTS\nEighty-two psychiatry trainees completed the survey. Overall, confidence scores of respondents with respect to BPD were significantly lower in comparison with schizophrenia. Trainees reported a preference for working with patients with schizophrenia compared with BPD. Respondents reported receiving less adequate supervision and training in the assessment, management and treatment of BPD than for schizophrenia.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nThe results suggest an urgent need to enhance training and supervision in skills related to the diagnosis, management and treatment of BPD, with a greater focus on psychotherapy to improve trainee psychiatrists confidence in working with people diagnosed with BPD.