This is impossible to measure scientifically (Barker, 2009). People with this diagnosis are often perceived negatively by both the general public and people working within the medical profession (Barker, 2009). People with BPD can often be seen as attention-seeking or manipulative and this impression can make nurses and doctors feel like they are "difficult to manage" (Woollaston & Hixenbaugh, 2008). People working with those diagnosed with BPD can also find it extremely challenging because people with this diagnosis can repeatedly attempt suicide or threaten to complete suicide. They may also display self-harming behaviours regularly. This can be very distressing for professionals and can generate high levels of anxiety (Dimeff and Koerner, 2007). With this in mind, it is very important professionals increase their understanding of the diagnosis so intervention can be utilised correctly. .
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy .
DBT is used in the treatment of BPD. It is found to be particularly helpful when people have thoughts of life not being worth living or display self-harming behaviours (MIND,2010). DBT is a rather complex therapy but the fundamental principles are rather straightforward ((Dimeff and Koerner, 2007). DBT typically lasts for a year. It has three main components which run alongside each other, these are: a two hourly weekly group, individualised weekly therapy and telephone counselling (Linehan & Dimeff, 2001). DBT also begins with a stage of pre-commitment work with the aim of helping individuals to fully commit to the therapy and increase their motivation. This is done before any treatment commences and then individuals are placed on the waiting list for DBT. The aim of DBT is to help people control their emotions through a mixture of cognitive behavioural techniques and mindfulness techniques (Williams et al, 2010). Mindfulness techniques fall into "what" and "how" techniques.
