‘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.

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