Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs) decision-making regarding detention of adults diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

Wolak, Milena, Blake-Holmes, Kate ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3117-3521, Butler, Michael and Beazley, Peter ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8821-1213 (2026) Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs) decision-making regarding detention of adults diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Journal of Social Work Practice. ISSN 0265-0533 (In Press)

Microsoft Word (OpenXML) (Manuscript Author Details _Resub Final Anonymised _Changes Accepted) - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only until 31 December 2099. Request a copy

Abstract

The present study explored the decision-making of Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs) for compulsory admissions for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) under the Mental Health Act, 1983 (MHA). A sample of 101 AMHPs were recruited from across England and randomised to an online vignette in which the diagnosis was manipulated as ‘borderline personality disorder’, ‘complex trauma’, or no diagnosis. All other details in the vignette were identical. We assessed the AMHPs' attitudes towards personality disorders using a validated scale, and the degree of risk that was perceived within the vignette. Most AMHPs did not recommend detention, and there was no evidence that the manipulation of the diagnosis in the vignette made a difference to the likelihood of detention recommendation. However, negative attitudes towards personality disorder and perceived risk to self significantly predicted detention likelihood. Developing ways to mitigate the effect of individual attitudes on detention decisions is a research priority.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	sdg 16 - peace, justice and strong institutions,sdg 3 - good health and well-being,sdg 10 - reduced inequalities ,/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/peace_justice_and_strong_institutions
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Social Work Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Centres > Centre for Research on Children and Families Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Mental Health and Social Care (fka Lifespan Health)
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	08 Sep 2026 09:14
Last Modified:	08 Sep 2026 09:14
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/104451
DOI:	issn:0265-0533

Actions (login required)

View Item