What is Good Psychiatric Management?
"Good Psychiatric Management" (GPM) is an approach to the treatment of mental health conditions that emphasizes evidence-based practices, comprehensive assessment, and the collaborative involvement of both the patient and the clinician. The term is often associated with the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD), although the principles of GPM can be applied to a broader range of personality patterns/styles. Here are key aspects of Good Psychiatric Management:
Empathic and Collaborative Relationship: GPM prioritizes the development of a therapeutic alliance between the patient and the clinician. The relationship is characterized by empathy, understanding, and collaboration.
Comprehensive Assessment: A thorough and comprehensive assessment of the patient's psychiatric, medical, and psychosocial history is a foundational step. This includes exploring past traumas, interpersonal patterns, and current stressors.
Evidence-Based Treatment: GPM is rooted in evidence-based practices, meaning that interventions and treatment strategies are based on scientific research demonstrating their effectiveness. This may include psychotherapeutic approaches, medication management, or a combination of both.
Crisis Management: Effective crisis management strategies are an integral part of GPM. Clinicians are trained to work with patients during times of acute distress, helping them manage crises while maintaining safety.
Focus on Psychoeducation: GPM involves educating the patient about their condition, treatment options, and coping strategies. This empowers individuals to actively participate in their own care and make informed decisions.
Addressing Suicidality and Self-Harm: Given that individuals with conditions like BPD may be at an increased risk of suicidality and self-harm, GPM places a strong emphasis on addressing and managing these concerns. This involves ongoing risk assessment and safety planning.
Flexibility in Treatment Planning: Treatment plans are tailored to the individual needs of the patient. GPM recognizes that individuals may respond differently to various interventions, and treatment plans may need to be adjusted over time.
Long-Term Perspective: GPM acknowledges that the treatment of certain psychiatric conditions, such as BPD, may require a long-term perspective. The focus is on achieving sustained improvement over time rather than expecting rapid or linear progress.
Team Collaboration: In some cases, GPM involves collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including therapists, psychiatrists, and, if necessary, medical specialists.
It's important to note that while GPM was initially developed for individuals with borderline personality disorder, the principles of empathic care, evidence-based treatment, and collaboration can be applied in various psychiatric contexts. The individualized and comprehensive nature of GPM aligns with modern mental health care principles.
The following links have more information on GPM and BPD:
A Guide to General Psychiatric Management
Everything You Need To Know About Borderline Personality Disorder
