A report about people with personality disorders was launched today by Manchester University's National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homocide by People with Mental Illness.

The report is an investigation into the care of patients with personality disorder who died by suicide or were convicted of homicide. The findings highlight that patients were not receiving care consistent with NICE guidance, and there is a need for a more comprehensive examination of services for personality disorders.

In response, James Harris, Associate Director of Communications at Rethink Mental Illness said:

“This report shines a much needed spotlight on a mental illness which is commonly misunderstood and stigmatised. A personality disorder can affect how you cope with life, manage relationships, how you behave, and how you feel - pretty much every aspect of your life.

“The picture for personality disorders is complex, but we often hear that care is patchy, and people only get help when they hit a crisis. There needs to be a package of support that is tailored to the individual, as we know that kind of care works and for some can mean the difference between life and death.”

For more information contact the Rethink Mental Illness media team on 0207 840 3138 (this number is forwarded to the person on call during out of hours)