Debate: Young people with personality disorder should be recognised and appropriately managed.

The characteristic features of personality disorder that are found in older people are also present in young people. These features are currently not diagnosed as personality problems by most UK practitioners, through a mixture of fear and prejudice, which is used to justify this avoidant diagnostic behaviour. A simple solution is offered. State that personality function is 'disordered' in those who cross the threshold for diagnosis but emphasise that it is often ephemeral and can be managed.