This continuing education manual offers an in-depth examination of gender bias in the diagnosis of antisocial (ASPD) and borderline personality disorders (BPD). Integrating empirical findings from a key cross-sectional study with broader literature, the course explores historical, conceptual, and systemic foundations of bias in clinical diagnosis. It details how gender stereotypes influence clinician judgment, the clinical impacts of misdiagnosis, and the divergent treatment paths for these disorders. The course concludes with practical implications for psychologists including reflective diagnostic practices and advocacy for reducing diagnostic disparities.

Licensed Psychologists Graduate-level Clinicians Mental Health Clinicians Clinical Psychologists

Program Objectives

Describe 4 key pathways through which gender bias enters personality disorder diagnosis including biased diagnostic constructs, criteria, and thresholds.

Identify 3 distinctive clinical and systemic consequences of misdiagnosis between ASPD and BPD based on empirical research findings.

Analyze the role of clinician cognition and implicit stereotype activation in diagnostic bias for antisocial and borderline personality disorders.

Evaluate 3 evidence-based clinical strategies to reduce gender bias including reflective practice, dimensional assessment, and advocacy against exclusion.