RETHINKING FIRST EPISODE PSYCHOSIS AND BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER

Evidence suggests one in five patients in early psychosis programs has Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and up to half of adults with BPD experience psychotic symptoms. Yet there is little clinical consensus or research evidence to guide assessment and treatment when psychotic disorders and personality disorder co-occur. This interactive workshop will use case discussion to explore the issues, and will be delivered by staff from the Helping Young People Early (HYPE) program, an early intervention program for BPD.

At the completion of the workshop you will be able to:

• Describe the rationale for early intervention in BPD

• Outline the evidence regarding the co-occurrence of BPD and psychosis

• Compare the principles for early intervention for BPD with those for FEP

• Discuss how the differences might affect clinical practice