Personality Disorders 101: Essential Tools for Assessment and Management

New psychiatric providers often face uncertainty when diagnosing and treating personality disorders due to their complex presentations and stigma. This foundational session is designed to equip with essential clinical skills, frameworks, and confidence to approach personality disorders with competence and compassion. Faculty will review diagnostic criteria, red flags, differential diagnoses, and the basics of therapeutic communication, de-escalation, and appropriate pharmacologic support. Attendees will leave with a practical toolkit to guide initial assessments and management planning, including when to refer and how to avoid common pitfalls in documentation and engagement.