Personality disorder is one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized diagnoses in mental health. Individuals with PDs may meet different criteria but they have at least one thing in common, namely that the chances are their problems will not remit without professional intervention.

However, exactly what that intervention should consist of remains a subject for debate. This, along with the disorders’ reputation for being problematic to treat, has posed challenges to their successful treatment.

The aim of the course is to shed light on this complex area of practice for the mental health professional. Furthermore, it aims to provide participants with an opportunity to enhance their understanding and their ability to diagnose, within the area of personality disorders.

We will look into the history of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders from DSM 2 all the way to the latest edition

We then will demystify the and explain the classes of personality disorders and well as the individual disorders for example

• Antisocial personality disorder.

• Avoidant personality disorder.

• Borderline personality disorder.

• Dependent personality disorder.

• Histrionic personality disorder.

• Narcissistic personality disorder.

• Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

• Paranoid personality disorder.

The Course is presented by Dr Arndt a clinical psychologist in private practise for over 25 years.She has published twelve articles in international journals, and a book. She conducts assessments in terms of disability, competence, and diagnostic tests for psychiatric hospital admissions. She is recognized as being capable to assist the court and to provide expert opinion on psychological disorders and the impact this has on the person’s functioning and within the person’s sphere.