‘They told me I had this personality disorder … All of a sudden I was wasting their time’: Personality disorder and the inpatient experience

Abstract

Background. Qualitative research has neglected the experience of being on an inpatient unit for individuals with a personality disorder.

Aims. The purpose of the study was to explore the inpatient experiences of service users with a personality disorder.

Method. Ten service users from a community personality disorder service (CPDS) took part in a focus group. The transcript was analysed using thematic analysis.

Results. Five super-ordinate themes were identified: practicalities of ward life; having a voice; revolving door patients; the power of sectioning and the ‘PD’ label.

Conclusions. The focus group led to a range of issues, including concerns over staff attitudes and inpatient safety, which need to be addressed in the NHS to improve the inpatient experience for those with a personality disorder. Equally important, positive developments were recognised; including listening to inpatient feedback and joint decision making.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.