Dr. Loris Grandjean is a Psychologist and Research Fellow with Project Air Strategy. Prior to this position, he worked at the University Institute of Psychotherapy (Lausanne, Switzerland) where he investigated treatments of Personality Disorders and their mechanisms of change. His research draws from distinct areas (clinical psychology as well as neuroimaging) and focuses on the individualisation of methods to better reflect personality disorder heterogeneity. Dr. Grandjean has been active in different clinical settings, including in hospital liaison psychiatry, a correctional facility, an outpatient university clinic as well as an inpatient psychiatric crisis intervention unit.
What are you working on right now, and what do you want to work on in the coming years?
“Currently, I am focusing on research on borderline personality disorder (BPD), particularly how it relates to physical health. My work explores why individuals with BPD tend to have higher rates of co-morbidities such as diabetes and cancer compared to the general population. This relationship is influenced by different factors such as unhealthy coping mechanisms, e.g., substance use, and the impact of growing up in traumatic environments, which affects both mental and physical health. Understanding this bidirectional relationship is important because it helps to provide more comprehensive and holistic care for these individuals, rather than attributing everything to their mental health diagnosis. Looking forward, I am very interested in exploring mental health stigma, especially in personality disorders. My goal is to investigate how we can better discuss we can talk more about human suffering without increasing stigma, while still acknowledging the pain involved. Another area I want to focus on is how personality traits exist on a continuum, ranging from adaptive to dysfunctional. Many people exhibit some dysfunctional personality traits at times, and I am interested in the factors that either push individuals towards developing a “full-blown” personality disorder or help them avoid it.”
What made you choose personality disorders (PDs) as an important line of research?
“Personality disorders are an area of mental health that interests me most because of their complexity and high levels of stigma associated with them. Working with PDs allows me to explore a range of human behaviours and emotional patterns that are often misunderstood. Additionally, studying how PDs intersect with other health issues, like physical illnesses, makes it a rich field for research with real-world implications. There’s a great need for more nuanced discussions and research in this area, both to improve treatment outcomes and to combat social stigma.”
What is one mistaken belief about PDs that you wish to demystify?
“A common misconception is that people with PDs are inherently difficult or resistant to treatment—often portrayed as uncooperative or even dangerous. This belief perpetuates stigma and creates barriers to effective care. My research highlights that individuals with PDs are not fundamentally different from others; they are struggling with specific patterns of thinking and behaviour that anyone could exhibit under certain circumstances. These patterns are often developed as coping mechanisms. With appropriate support, individuals with PDs can and do improve. Breaking down this “us versus them” mentality is key to reducing stigma and promoting a more compassionate approach to treatment”.
Do you have some tips for early career clinicians or researchers?
“Curiosity is essential in this field. Never assume that you know everything—remain open to new ideas and perspectives. Always ask, “What happened?” rather than “What’s wrong?” In terms of practical advice for early-career researchers, I recommend staying connected to both research and clinical practice, even if you focus on one more than the other. If you are primarily a researcher, spend some time interacting with clinical cases to ground your work in real-world experiences. Also, networking is invaluable—don’t hesitate to reach out to other professionals whose work you admire. Building connections can open many doors.”
By Stephanie Römer
President, ISSPD Student Section