I have been promoted to Recovery Coordinator at work (woo!!) This is fantastic and we've implemented a lot of recovery focused practice with great outcomes for the clients.
However, what I am finding difficult is working with people with personality disorders and this is where I would really really appreciate advice/anecdotes/suggestions... Anything from all you lovely psych professionals and those with lived experience.
I've found with a lot of our clients with various personality disorders that they tell me all the things they think I want to hear however they don't back these statements up with actions.
We have one client who says she knows what she needs to do to work towards re-entering the community and living her own life however "can't seem the shake the way I feel towards people and what I do to them". It's even been doubted by her psychiatrist if she even has a mental illness at all or just has learned behaviours. She has many very challenging behaviours however always says she is remorseful when confronted. I feel her borderline personality disorder is verging on psychopathy.
How do you find personality disorders?
Have you had any success with assisting those people with personality disorders recover to the point of being able to function in society and have their signs/symptoms under control?
I value all feedback. I am at a loss and despite a lot of peer reviewed research etc, I highly value the feedback from personal anecdotes and advice from those working in the field. Thanks heaps.
Try to remember that a personality disorder is an illness. It's not something the person wants to have. It's a big indication that the person has some miserable feelings that can't be changed without huge amounts of work. The disorder is the person's way of coping with life as he sees it, after having lived a whole lot of crud.
Well said. I have worked with Axis II patients and yes they can be draining, but I have to remind myself, "The pain that I experience in working with them is but a snapshot of the pain they feel every second." This conceptualization makes it much easier to take their illness less personally.
Try to remember that a personality disorder is an illness. It's not something the person wants to have. It's a big indication that the person has some miserable feelings that can't be changed without huge amounts of work. The disorder is the person's way of coping with life as he sees it, after having lived a whole lot of crud.
Unfortunately this is true. And no matter how much education, support and resources the pt gets ultimately they need to make the decision to change and follow the plans/actions and use said resources. There is no easy fix, meds don't work, they are often somatic, and because of whatever trauma in their past they feel the need to control/manipulate the environment around them. PD's can be incredibly draining. Unfortunately there is no easy fix, often they are long term and you will see "repeat customers," sometimes for years.
Cheers folks. Have read and reread all your responses. I've gained valuable insight from your replies. We continue to do our best with this patient and will continue to do so.
This patient has been engaged in multiple illegal activities which have negatively impacted a lot of other patients so despite our services and support to her, it is now in the hands of the authorities.
As a patient, I have Dependent Personality D/O and I find it extremely difficult to deal with. And I know my treatment providers find it difficult to balance what I need as far as assistance and what might lead to too much dependence on my part
falcon123
19 Posts
Well said. I have worked with Axis II patients and yes they can be draining, but I have to remind myself, "The pain that I experience in working with them is but a snapshot of the pain they feel every second." This conceptualization makes it much easier to take their illness less personally.