PhD Studentship: Exploring borderline personality disorder diagnosis in bipolar disorder in the UK

Applications are invited for a fully-funded full-time PhD studentship exploring the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder in individuals who have bipolar disorder in the UK.

Bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder share some similarities in their symptoms and signs. Despite these similarities the two disorders have very different aetiologies and prognoses (Paris & Black 2015). However, the two disorders are commonly diagnosed comorbidly. Estimates of the degree of comorbidity vary from as low as 4% (George et al. 2003) to as high as 50% (Wilson et al. 2007) but sample sizes are often very small. This high level of comorbidity could in fact reflect diagnostic uncertainty. There is currently no biomarker for either disorder, thus diagnosis relies on clinical assessment of signs and symptoms and interpretation of these against diagnostic criteria. Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment, incorrect prognosis and may have important effects on the patient’s self-identity, self-worth, illness behaviours and interpersonal interactions. However, there is a paucity of research in this area, particularly in the UK. Much of the previous research has been in North America, where there are cultural differences in psychiatric diagnostic practices compared to the UK (Fornaro et al. 2016), and has relied on small samples or systematic reviews of a number of heterogeneous small studies. There is a lack of in-depth qualitative research exploring the patient perspective, and that of healthcare professionals.

This studentship addresses an important clinical issue that has previously received little research attention. The findings of this research have the potential to influence diagnostic practice within this complex area of psychiatry.

This research is funded by the University of Worcester. The student will be expected to carry out their individual research study under the direction of Professor Lisa Jones (Director of Studies, University of Worcester), Professor Eleanor Bradley (University of Worcester) and Dr Katherine Gordon-Smith (University of Worcester).

For further details and for an application form visit: http://www.worcester.ac.uk/researchstudentships

For an informal discussion about the studentship please contact Professor Lisa Jones (email: [Email Address Removed])

For questions regarding the application process, please contact the Research School (email: [Email Address Removed] or tel: +44 1905 54 2182)