'Personality disorders at work: how to spot them and what you can do' was the headline given to a comment piece published on The Guardian online this morning.
Dr Mary Lamia, who according to her Twitter account is a clinical psychologist, professor, author, Psychology Today blogger, produced a piece for the publisher's 'lunchtime read' section.
The topic tackled was on personality disorders in the workplace.
The article begins by explaining: 'A boss or colleague with borderline or narcissistic disorder traits can leave you feeling manipulated and affect your performance.
'Psychopaths do exist in the workplace but you are more likely to have a boss with a personality disorder'.
Dr Lamia discusses the difference between a narcissist and someone with a personality disorder before going on to explain 'what you can do' in a work scenario.
The final line in the article reads: 'Trying to get on their good side will only make you look weak'.
People have been vocal on Twitter about their disgust at the way in which Dr Lamia shed a light on those suffering from a personality disorder.
Others also accused The Guardian of being negligent giving the piece place on its platform.
Twitter fam with personality disorders, I'd advise you to skip @guardian today unless you're feeling particularly robust.
— Indistinctly Abled (@SuziHorsley) October 25, 2017
Also, it appears to describe depression as a borderline personality disorder. Which can fuck right off as an opinion.
— Colin Angus (@VictimOfMaths) October 25, 2017
I’m so sorry to my friends with PDs, it’s not okay at all, it’s horrific. Without being patronising it might be best avoided.
— ?raise hell? (@cattebear) October 25, 2017
really so angry about that Guardian article on personality disorders. Its exactly the sort of thing that will make people afraid to disclose
— shon faye (@shonfaye) October 25, 2017
So disappointed in the guardian. Being manipulative is not one of the criteria for borderline personality disorder
— halloween princess (@rosieblossoms_) October 25, 2017
part of having BPD is knowing that lots of people just regard you as manipulative monsters despite no evidence
— ?????? (@thisisapollo) October 25, 2017
This Guardian article negatively profiling personality disorders in the workplace is acting as the perfect reminder to unfollow people.
— Jásön‽(interrorbang) (@yaesohn) October 25, 2017
I've just finished writing a piece for the guardian about how BPD is deeply stigmatised. And now.... ???? pic.twitter.com/WFNkuCvDY1
— Emily Reynolds (@rey_z) October 25, 2017
Guardian journalist HannahJane Parkinson also shared her thoughts on the long-read piece uploaded this morning, detailing her disgust and informing her followers that she had spoken to a senior editor about it.
I think the Guardian piece on personality disorders in the work place is absolutely grim on a number of levels and I'll be speaking to the relevant people.
— HannahJane Parkinson (@ladyhaja) October 25, 2017
I've spoken & written recently on how I don't think the mental health debate adequately covers more severe illnesses & shies away from where stigma comes from / behaviour of mental illness episodes. I really think this. But this piece is bad.
— HannahJane Parkinson (@ladyhaja) October 25, 2017
I am really disappointed in the dehumanising language. & also the assertions of "they" WILL do this & that. Horrified a psychologist would write in this tone. Again, I have a big piece coming out soon that doesn't shy away from MI behaviours & truths, but this is all wrong.
— HannahJane Parkinson (@ladyhaja) October 25, 2017
I know, it is very bad. I've spoken to a senior editor about it.
— HannahJane Parkinson (@ladyhaja) October 25, 2017
Twitter user Andy Fugard suggested people read this piece of satire on 'How to avoid receiving a diagnosis of 'personality disorder'.
Stigmatising, sweeping generalisations, potentially discriminatory. Why publish this, @guardian? Try instead: https://t.co/aBQSJ9MGlN @RITB_ pic.twitter.com/sHC4GRi4SO
— Andy Fugard (@inductivestep) October 25, 2017
Have you any thoughts on this piece? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook @TheIrishPost
For more information on personality disorders and services across Britain and Ireland , please check out mind.org.uk, ethink.org or mentalhealthireland.ie.
