Evaluation of a skills-based peer-led art therapy online-group for people with emotion dysregulation

Diagnosing borderline personality disorder: Reports and recommendations from people with lived experience

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental health condition marked by impairments in self and interpersonal functioning. Stigma from health staff may often result in a reluctance to diagnose, impacting recovery trajectories. Qualitative interviews were conducted with participants (N = 15; M Age = 36.4 years, SD = 7.5; 93.3% female) with lived experience of BPD exploring topics of illness onset, insight, experience of diagnosis and treatment. Qualitative responses were analysed within a co-design framework with a member of the research team who identifies as having a lived experience of BPD. On average, participant symptoms emerged at 12.1 years of age (SD = 6.6 years, range 1.5-27), but diagnoses of BPD were delayed until 30.2 years (SD = 7.8 years, range 18-44) resulting in a 'diagnosis gap' of 18.1 years (SD = 9.6 years, range 3-30). Participant explanations for BPD emergence varied from biological, psychological and social factors. Benefits of diagnosis (e.g., fostering insight, aiding treatment planning and reducing isolation) were contrasted with challenges (e.g., stigma and treatment unavailability). Delay in diagnosis was common, and no participants reported receiving a diagnosis of BPD during their adolescence yet 85% felt they would have benefited from a diagnosis in adolescence. Only a quarter (27%) felt highly supported in the diagnostic process. An ideal four-step diagnosis procedure was outlined based on recommendations from participants with a lived experience; this involved the following: (1) explain the process, (2) assess thoroughly, (3) explore how the features are active in everyday life and (4) link diagnosis to evidence-based treatment planning.

Experiences of a peer group for people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder: A qualitative interview study

There is a notable lack of literature evaluating peer support for people with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Peer-led groups have been shown to positively impact outcomes related to empowerment, hope, and self-efficacy beliefs for consumers diagnosed with serious mental illness and may also be a helpful option for those experiencing personality disorder symptoms. We outline the coproduction of a peer group for people with a lived experience of BPD and a qualitative analysis of feedback post-group participation. Twenty-two consumers participated in post-group interviews and described their experiences of peer support. Interview transcripts were coded, and three main themes were identified: growth and change, connection and feeling understood, and creating safety. The findings suggested that participation in a coproduced peer support group for people with a diagnosis of BPD facilitated positive personal transformation as well as opportunities to develop connection through shared experiences in a safe environment grounded in mutuality. These themes were particularly powerful for participants because they countered previous experiences of not feeling safe, understood, or equal when seeking treatment. These findings support the acceptability of implementing a coproduced group for people diagnosed with BPD in a community mental health setting.