During a few intensive days in May 2026, Karolinska Institutet's Flemingsberg campus served as a hub for knowledge exchange and experience sharing on personality disorders, bringing together more than 300 clinicians and researchers. The week began with the international conference on Good Psychiatric Management (GPM), held on 4-5 May, and continued with the Swedish Congress on Personality Psychiatry on 6-7 May.
International experts and latest research findings
Together, the events gathered more than 300 Swedish and international researchers and clinicians, with a focus on diagnosis, treatment, and implementation in clinical practice. Both conferences welcomed several internationally leading speakers and were organised as a collaboration between Karolinska Institutet (Department of Clinical Neuroscience and the Unit for Executive and Professional Education), Psykiatri Sydväst, and Dr Lois Choi-Kain from the Gunderson Personality Disorders Institute.
The GPM conference, with more than 140 participants from around the world, was opened by Dr Lois Choi-Kain and focused on practical tools to strengthen clinical work with borderline and other personality disorders.
During the two days of the Swedish Personality Psychiatry Congress (Svensk personlighetspsykiatrisk congress), approximately 250 researchers and clinicians from primary care, psychiatry, and forensic psychiatry from across the country gathered. Participants gained access to the latest research and developments in the field of personality disorders. The congress was opened by Christian Rück , Professor of Psychiatry at Karolinska Institutet. Ahead of the congress, he emphasized why the topic remains central:
"How we understand personality has long been a central issue in psychiatry, but perspectives on its role have shifted over time. This congress is an excellent opportunity to explore this important topic in greater depth," Christian Rück said.
A platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange
In addition to knowledge sharing, the days also provided opportunities for networking among professionals from different parts of the country and international participants. For those unable to attend in person, the lectures were also livestreamed.
"It is in the intersection between research and clinical practice that we can make a real difference for patients. We hope that participants will gain both new knowledge and concrete tools to use in their work," says Niki Sundström, operations manager at Psykiatri Sydväst at Psykiatri Sydväst and one of the initiators of the conferences.
About GPM
GPM (Good Psychiatric Management) is an evidence-based, principle-driven approach for treating personality disorders, primarily borderline personality disorder.
