skip to main content

Crisis Services for BPD — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModeratePersonality DisordersCrisis Services for BPDMRCPsych Paper B

A 27-year-old with borderline personality disorder and recurrent self-harm is referred to a crisis resolution team because their distress and suicidal thoughts have escalated. According to NICE CG78, which response should the crisis team specifically avoid?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Declining assessment solely because the recurrent crises are attributed to borderline personality disorder

NICE CG78 states that people with borderline personality disorder must not be excluded from health or social care services because of the diagnosis or because they have self-harmed. Therefore, declining a crisis assessment solely because recurrent crises are attributed to borderline personality disorder is inappropriate. The team should instead consult the crisis plan, assess both immediate and longer-term risks, and explore the reasons for the current distress. Alternatives to inpatient admission should be considered where clinically appropriate, but admission remains an option when significant risk cannot be managed elsewhere. NICE also recommends offering appropriate follow-up within a timeframe agreed with the person.

Reference: NICE. Borderline personality disorder: recognition and management (CG78), recommendations 1.1.1.1, 1.3.7.1 and 1.4.1.1. 2009. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg78/chapter/Recommendations