Borderline personality disorder (BPD) gets its name from its early roots in psychiatry. It was used to describe people whose symptoms seemed to sit on the “borderline” between psychosis and neurosis.

While our understanding of BPD has moved on, the name has stuck because it’s still the most widely recognised.

Understanding the origins of borderline personality disorder 

The term “borderline personality disorder” was first used in the mid-20th century. At the time, psychiatrists noticed that some people didn’t fit neatly into the categories of psychosis (where someone loses touch with reality) or neurosis (where someone experiences distress but remains in touch with reality).
 
Instead, these individuals seemed to be on the edge, or “borderline”, between the two. This is where the name comes from.

How the meaning of borderline personality disorder has changed 

Over the years, our understanding of BPD has grown. We now know that it’s a complex mental health condition, often involving intense emotions, difficulties with relationships, and a strong fear of abandonment.
 
Despite this progress, the name “borderline personality disorder” remains in use because it’s the term most people - especially healthcare professionals - recognise.
 
It’s also the name used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is the main guide for diagnosing mental health conditions.

Alternative names for borderline personality disorder

Some people feel that “borderline personality disorder” doesn’t truly reflect their experiences.

You might also hear the condition called “emotionally unstable personality disorder” (EUPD) or “emotional intensity disorder” (EID). These names aim to focus more on the emotional aspects of the condition.

However, “borderline personality disorder” is still the most common and widely understood term, especially in clinical and informational resources.

Why does the name matter?

The words we use can shape how we think and feel about mental health.

For some people, the term “borderline” can feel confusing or even stigmatising. That’s why it’s important to keep talking about mental health openly and honestly, and to listen to the voices of people with lived experience of the condition.

If you’d like to know more about the history of BPD or the different names it’s known by, we’re here to help. Visit our borderline personality disorder page here.