Working effectively with people with a diagnosis of BPD

presented by Associate Professor Sathya Rao,Executive Clinical Director Spectrum
This presentation provides a brief update of the BPD and the principles of working effectively with people with a diagnosis of BPD and when and how to make referrals to Spectrum.
Objectives of this session:
• To provide a brief update about BPD
• To highlight treatment principles for BPD
• To discuss referral pathways to Spectrum
Spectrum is a state-wide specialist service specialising in the treatment of personality disorders and complex trauma in Victoria. It also contributes to both international and national research and provides workforce development training nationally in the field of BPD and other personality disorders/complex trauma where high levels of functional impairment bring the consumer to the attention of specialist mental health services. Spectrum supports primary and public sector mental health services responding to referrals from General Practitioners, mental health services and other services across Victoria and interstate. Spectrum works with people aged 16-64 years and has treated people with BPD in Victoria for the past 20+ years. Spectrum works with state justice systems to deliver assessment and treatment services to individuals with BPD who are, or are at risk of, being incarcerated.
Associate Professor Sathya Rao is a psychiatrist and the Executive Clinical Director of Spectrum Personality Disorder Service. He is the Vice President of the Australian BPD Foundation. He is also an adjunct clinical associate professor at Monash University. Dr Rao is involved in clinical research and has published research papers, contributed chapters and co-authored books on borderline personality disorder. He was a member of the NHMRC Clinical Practice Guidelines development committee, 2012. He has taught clinicians across Australia and was the head of psychiatry training program of Victoria for the RANZCP previously. He is involved in treating complex personality disorder patients and provides second opinions and secondary consultations for complex clinical conditions associated with personality disorders. He was the recipient of the 2020 Meritorious Award of the Victorian Branch of RANZCP. In recognition of his contributions to psychiatry he received the award of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) (General Division) in June 2022.