Assessment and emergency management of suicidality in personality disorders

Several studies have illustrated a link between personality disorders, suicidal behavior, and suicide. The research is most robust in the field of BPD. BPD is a common and challenging diagnosis characterized by chronic suicidality, and we have attempted to differentiate between patients at risk for high versus low lethality suicide attempts. Although assessing and managing suicidality in patients who have BPD can be frustrating for even the most experienced clinicians, it is possible to recognize acutely elevated risk and use techniques to help create a therapeutic alliance and de-escalate the crisis situation.