Some of the British Isles’ most respected mental health professionals in the field of personality disorder recently gathered in the Isle of Man for their annual conference.

The three-day conference at the Villa Marina, attended by 170 mental health professionals, marked the first time the Island has hosted the British and Irish Group for the Study of Personality Disorder (BIGSPD).

The BIGSPD was established in 2000 to provide a forum to focus on academic activity and professional networking in the field of personality disorder.

Personality disorder is where someone’s patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving differ from the ‘average’ person and can be difficult to change. This gives those with the condition a more limited range of emotions, attitudes and behaviours with which to cope with everyday life. A number of treatment options are available, such as talking therapies. But research into the condition and its treatment continue.

The conference was opened by Dr Malcolm Couch, Chief Executive of the Department of Health and Social Care in the Isle of Man. Dr Couch spoke about the Island’s health and social care system, with a focus on the strategies it is pursuing to transform care, particularly for the Mental Health Service.

The opening address was followed by a number of keynote talks by specialists from across the UK and Ireland, presentations of new research, and workshops relating to the diagnosis and treatment of personality disorders.

Dr Tim Byrne, Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Director for the Mental Health Service in the Isle of Man, said: “We were delighted to be able to host this year’s conference. The Island made an excellent venue, given its position at the centre of the British Isles. We were pleased with the number of delegates who attended the conference. Meetings such as this allow for sharing of views on a complex subject, the presentation of new academic research and for professional networking in the field of personality disorder.

“Knowledge gained from the conference will help the Island’s Mental Health Service develop the most up to date care and treatment for people with personality difficulties living in the Isle of Man.”

Commenting on the feedback received, Celeste Green, BIGSPD Isle of Man Event Coordinator, said: “The comments we have received about the Villa Marina, the hotels and the Island have all been very positive. We were pleased to be able to support local businesses over the three days.

“On behalf of the committee I would like to thank everyone involved for such a beneficial and enjoyable conference.”