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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Iain McKinnonORCiD, Dr David CousinsORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Introduction: Distinguishing those with a personality disorder from those with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) can be challenging, but establishing the correct diagnosis can direct appropriate management.Aim: To identify whether behavioural themes differ between those with personality disorders from those with MDD, and how those differences might relate to a clinical team’s perception of diagnosis.Method: An observational study identifying all inpatients presenting with symptoms of depression. At discharge, patients (n = 60) underwent a structured diagnostic interview and were grouped according to diagnosis. Qualitative data was analysed to determine whether behavioural themes differed between those with MDD and those with a personality disorder (with or without MDD).Results: Ward staff perceptions of diagnosis aligned in all cases of personality disorder, but they also attributed that diagnosis to 54% of patients who had only MDD. Several behavioural themes were evident in those with a personality disorder but not those with MDD. Many behavioural themes were observed in both groups, and it is likely these that drove differences in diagnostic views.Implications for practice: Certain behavioural themes may be determinants of the perception of diagnosis held by inpatient staff, and when present in acute episodes in MDD, may risk diagnostic misattribution.
Author(s): Jayakody K, McKinnon I, Cousins DA
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
Year: 2024
Pages: epub ahead of print
Online publication date: 13/11/2024
Acceptance date: 18/10/2024
Date deposited: 31/10/2024
ISSN (print): 1351-0126
ISSN (electronic): 1365-2850
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.13134
DOI: 10.1111/jpm.13134
ePrints DOI: 10.57711/w3tb-ys80
Data Access Statement: The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author, [K.J.]. The data are not publicly available due to restrictions that could compromise the privacy of research participants.
