title: Borderline personality disorder. When medical care is complicated by mental illness.
abstract: Management of patients with borderline personality disorder on a medical ward requires the cooperation of all caregivers involved. First, it is necessary to recognize the disorder in patients who exhibit maladaptive behavior. Next, a comprehensive plan of behavioral management should be implemented that includes (1) clear communication among staff members, (2) education of staff members, (3) a consistent approach to the patient, (4) firm limits on the patient's behavior, and (5) an empathic rather than confrontational response to the patient's demands. Use of psychoactive medications may be a valuable adjunct to these approaches. A consulting psychiatrist can confirm the diagnosis and help to develop and implement the management plan.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Medical Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Moss
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001519:Behavior; D001883:Borderline Personality Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D011619:Psychotropic Drugs