Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHistory of “Borderline"BPD TodayThe Ongoing DebateWhat It Means For You
Table of ContentsView All
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Table of Contents
History of “Borderline”
BPD Today
The Ongoing Debate
What It Means For You
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Have you ever wondered how the term “borderline” came to describe BPD? Learn more about the origin of this term and why its use has been debated through the years.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) Overview
History of “Borderline” in Borderline Personality Disorder
The term was then used to describe people who seemed to exhibit a type of “borderline schizophrenia.“By the 1970s, a deeper understanding of BPD began to emerge. Psychoanalyst Otto Kernberg used “borderline” to describe a personality organization between psychosis and neurosis.
People with borderline personality organization were described as having primitive psychological defenses, which aredefense mechanismsto avoid anxiety and the first to happen developmentally.Examples include splitting, or assigning “good” or “bad” qualities to everything, as well as projective identification or projection, or assigning your negative qualities onto someone else.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Overview of the DSM
Borderline Personality Disorder Today
BPD in the DSM-5According to the DSM-5, to bediagnosed with BPD, a person must meet certain criteria.These include the following:A pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotionsFrantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonmentImpulsivity that is self-damagingRecurrent suicidal behavior or self-harmChronic feelings of emptinessInappropriate, intense angerTransient stress related toalterations in realitySomeone with BPD may not experience every symptom. However, they must exhibit at least five symptoms to receive a diagnosis.
BPD in the DSM-5
According to the DSM-5, to bediagnosed with BPD, a person must meet certain criteria.These include the following:A pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotionsFrantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonmentImpulsivity that is self-damagingRecurrent suicidal behavior or self-harmChronic feelings of emptinessInappropriate, intense angerTransient stress related toalterations in realitySomeone with BPD may not experience every symptom. However, they must exhibit at least five symptoms to receive a diagnosis.
According to the DSM-5, to bediagnosed with BPD, a person must meet certain criteria.These include the following:
Someone with BPD may not experience every symptom. However, they must exhibit at least five symptoms to receive a diagnosis.
BPD can impact every aspect of your life and leave you feeling out of control. You can experience intense emotions—including depression, anxiety, and anger—that can be difficult to manage. You may question who you are and doubt your self-worth. It might be hard to keep a job or be in a stable relationship.
Living with BPD can feel difficult and isolating.However, there istreatment availableto help manage these symptoms.
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The term “borderline” has been debated through the years. Some believe that BPD should not be classified as a personality disorder, but rather as amood disorderor an identity disorder.Many experts have also called for BPD to be renamed because the term “borderline” is outdated and potentially stigmatizing.
Suggestions for the new name have included:
BPD and Identity Problems
What Does It Mean for You If You Have BPD?
It’s important to not get too hung up on the term “borderline.” The term is outdated and may be changed in the future. Instead, focus on working with a physician or therapist to receive the proper therapy and get all your questions answered so that you can manage your symptoms.
BPD is often misdiagnosed because symptoms overlap with other conditions, includingbipolar disorder,depression, andpost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Thus, the word borderline might more adequately describe the fact that it sits on the border of many other conditions, blurring their distinctions.
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Summary
While the term “borderline” may be a misnomer in BPD, research has uncovered a great deal about the condition since the 1970s. There is treatment available to manage symptoms of BPD, including psychotherapy and medication.
If you or a loved one might have BPD, don’t put off reaching out to amental health professional. They can help set up a treatment plan that’s right for you.
19 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cleveland Clinic.Borderline personality disorder (BPD).Stern A.Psychoanalytic investigation of and therapy in the border line group of neuroses.The Psychoanalytic Quarterly. 1938;7(4):467-489. doi:10.1080/21674086.1938.11925367Zandersen M, Parnas J.Exploring schizophrenia spectrum psychopathology in borderline personality disorder.Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2020;270:969-978. doi:10.1007/s00406-019-01039-4Izdebska A.Assessment of personality according to Otto Kernberg’s conception.Curr Issues Personal Psychol. 2015;3(2):65-83. doi:10.5114/cipp.2015.52105American Psychological Association.Primitive defense mechanism.American Psychological Association.Projective identification.Chen C, Hewitt PL, Flett GL, Roxborough HM.Multidimensional perfectionism and borderline personality organization in emerging adults: A two-wave longitudinal study.Personal Individ Diff. 2019;146:143-148. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2019.04.011Gold N, Kyratsous M.Self and identity in borderline personality disorder: Agency and mental time travel.J Eval Clin Pract. 2017;23(5):1020-1028. doi:10.1111/jep.12769American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Fifth Edition.National Institute of Mental Health.Borderline personality disorder.Dixon-Gordon KL, Peters JR, Fertuck EA, Yen S.Emotional processes in borderline personality disorder: An update for clinical practice.J Psychother Integr. 2017;27(4):425–438. doi:10.1037/int0000044Wilson N, Robb E, Gajwani R, Minnis H.Nature or nurture? A review of the literature on childhood maltreatment and genetic factors in the pathogenesis of borderline personality disorder.J Psychiatric Res. 2021;137:131-146. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.12.035Bach B, Sellbom M.Continuity between DSM-5 categorical criteria and traits criteria for borderline personality disorder.Can J Psychiatry. 2016;61(8):489–494. doi:10.1177/0706743716640756Johns Hopkins Medicine.Borderline personality disorder.Pucker HE, Temes CM, Zanarini MC.Description and prediction of social isolation in borderline patients over 20 years of prospective follow-up.Personal Disord. 2019;10(4):383-388. doi:10.1037/per0000337Schmidt P, Fuchs T.The unbearable dispersal of being: Narrativity and personal identity in borderline personality disorder.Phenom Cogn Sci. 2021;20:321-340. doi:10.1007/s11097-020-09712-zUniversity of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.Borderline personality disorder.Zeichner S.Borderline personality disorder: implications in family and pediatric practice.J Psychol Psychother. 2013;03(04). doi:10.4172/2161-0487.1000122Eskander N, Emamy M, Saad-Omer SM, Khan F, Jahan N.The impact of impulsivity and emotional dysregulation on comorbid bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder.Cureus. 2020;12(8):e9581. doi:10.7759/cureus.9581
19 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cleveland Clinic.Borderline personality disorder (BPD).Stern A.Psychoanalytic investigation of and therapy in the border line group of neuroses.The Psychoanalytic Quarterly. 1938;7(4):467-489. doi:10.1080/21674086.1938.11925367Zandersen M, Parnas J.Exploring schizophrenia spectrum psychopathology in borderline personality disorder.Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2020;270:969-978. doi:10.1007/s00406-019-01039-4Izdebska A.Assessment of personality according to Otto Kernberg’s conception.Curr Issues Personal Psychol. 2015;3(2):65-83. doi:10.5114/cipp.2015.52105American Psychological Association.Primitive defense mechanism.American Psychological Association.Projective identification.Chen C, Hewitt PL, Flett GL, Roxborough HM.Multidimensional perfectionism and borderline personality organization in emerging adults: A two-wave longitudinal study.Personal Individ Diff. 2019;146:143-148. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2019.04.011Gold N, Kyratsous M.Self and identity in borderline personality disorder: Agency and mental time travel.J Eval Clin Pract. 2017;23(5):1020-1028. doi:10.1111/jep.12769American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Fifth Edition.National Institute of Mental Health.Borderline personality disorder.Dixon-Gordon KL, Peters JR, Fertuck EA, Yen S.Emotional processes in borderline personality disorder: An update for clinical practice.J Psychother Integr. 2017;27(4):425–438. doi:10.1037/int0000044Wilson N, Robb E, Gajwani R, Minnis H.Nature or nurture? A review of the literature on childhood maltreatment and genetic factors in the pathogenesis of borderline personality disorder.J Psychiatric Res. 2021;137:131-146. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.12.035Bach B, Sellbom M.Continuity between DSM-5 categorical criteria and traits criteria for borderline personality disorder.Can J Psychiatry. 2016;61(8):489–494. doi:10.1177/0706743716640756Johns Hopkins Medicine.Borderline personality disorder.Pucker HE, Temes CM, Zanarini MC.Description and prediction of social isolation in borderline patients over 20 years of prospective follow-up.Personal Disord. 2019;10(4):383-388. doi:10.1037/per0000337Schmidt P, Fuchs T.The unbearable dispersal of being: Narrativity and personal identity in borderline personality disorder.Phenom Cogn Sci. 2021;20:321-340. doi:10.1007/s11097-020-09712-zUniversity of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.Borderline personality disorder.Zeichner S.Borderline personality disorder: implications in family and pediatric practice.J Psychol Psychother. 2013;03(04). doi:10.4172/2161-0487.1000122Eskander N, Emamy M, Saad-Omer SM, Khan F, Jahan N.The impact of impulsivity and emotional dysregulation on comorbid bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder.Cureus. 2020;12(8):e9581. doi:10.7759/cureus.9581
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cleveland Clinic.Borderline personality disorder (BPD).Stern A.Psychoanalytic investigation of and therapy in the border line group of neuroses.The Psychoanalytic Quarterly. 1938;7(4):467-489. doi:10.1080/21674086.1938.11925367Zandersen M, Parnas J.Exploring schizophrenia spectrum psychopathology in borderline personality disorder.Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2020;270:969-978. doi:10.1007/s00406-019-01039-4Izdebska A.Assessment of personality according to Otto Kernberg’s conception.Curr Issues Personal Psychol. 2015;3(2):65-83. doi:10.5114/cipp.2015.52105American Psychological Association.Primitive defense mechanism.American Psychological Association.Projective identification.Chen C, Hewitt PL, Flett GL, Roxborough HM.Multidimensional perfectionism and borderline personality organization in emerging adults: A two-wave longitudinal study.Personal Individ Diff. 2019;146:143-148. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2019.04.011Gold N, Kyratsous M.Self and identity in borderline personality disorder: Agency and mental time travel.J Eval Clin Pract. 2017;23(5):1020-1028. doi:10.1111/jep.12769American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Fifth Edition.National Institute of Mental Health.Borderline personality disorder.Dixon-Gordon KL, Peters JR, Fertuck EA, Yen S.Emotional processes in borderline personality disorder: An update for clinical practice.J Psychother Integr. 2017;27(4):425–438. doi:10.1037/int0000044Wilson N, Robb E, Gajwani R, Minnis H.Nature or nurture? A review of the literature on childhood maltreatment and genetic factors in the pathogenesis of borderline personality disorder.J Psychiatric Res. 2021;137:131-146. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.12.035Bach B, Sellbom M.Continuity between DSM-5 categorical criteria and traits criteria for borderline personality disorder.Can J Psychiatry. 2016;61(8):489–494. doi:10.1177/0706743716640756Johns Hopkins Medicine.Borderline personality disorder.Pucker HE, Temes CM, Zanarini MC.Description and prediction of social isolation in borderline patients over 20 years of prospective follow-up.Personal Disord. 2019;10(4):383-388. doi:10.1037/per0000337Schmidt P, Fuchs T.The unbearable dispersal of being: Narrativity and personal identity in borderline personality disorder.Phenom Cogn Sci. 2021;20:321-340. doi:10.1007/s11097-020-09712-zUniversity of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.Borderline personality disorder.Zeichner S.Borderline personality disorder: implications in family and pediatric practice.J Psychol Psychother. 2013;03(04). doi:10.4172/2161-0487.1000122Eskander N, Emamy M, Saad-Omer SM, Khan F, Jahan N.The impact of impulsivity and emotional dysregulation on comorbid bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder.Cureus. 2020;12(8):e9581. doi:10.7759/cureus.9581
Cleveland Clinic.Borderline personality disorder (BPD).
Stern A.Psychoanalytic investigation of and therapy in the border line group of neuroses.The Psychoanalytic Quarterly. 1938;7(4):467-489. doi:10.1080/21674086.1938.11925367
Zandersen M, Parnas J.Exploring schizophrenia spectrum psychopathology in borderline personality disorder.Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2020;270:969-978. doi:10.1007/s00406-019-01039-4
Izdebska A.Assessment of personality according to Otto Kernberg’s conception.Curr Issues Personal Psychol. 2015;3(2):65-83. doi:10.5114/cipp.2015.52105
American Psychological Association.Primitive defense mechanism.
American Psychological Association.Projective identification.
Chen C, Hewitt PL, Flett GL, Roxborough HM.Multidimensional perfectionism and borderline personality organization in emerging adults: A two-wave longitudinal study.Personal Individ Diff. 2019;146:143-148. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2019.04.011
Gold N, Kyratsous M.Self and identity in borderline personality disorder: Agency and mental time travel.J Eval Clin Pract. 2017;23(5):1020-1028. doi:10.1111/jep.12769
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Fifth Edition.
National Institute of Mental Health.Borderline personality disorder.
Dixon-Gordon KL, Peters JR, Fertuck EA, Yen S.Emotional processes in borderline personality disorder: An update for clinical practice.J Psychother Integr. 2017;27(4):425–438. doi:10.1037/int0000044
Wilson N, Robb E, Gajwani R, Minnis H.Nature or nurture? A review of the literature on childhood maltreatment and genetic factors in the pathogenesis of borderline personality disorder.J Psychiatric Res. 2021;137:131-146. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.12.035
Bach B, Sellbom M.Continuity between DSM-5 categorical criteria and traits criteria for borderline personality disorder.Can J Psychiatry. 2016;61(8):489–494. doi:10.1177/0706743716640756
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Borderline personality disorder.
Pucker HE, Temes CM, Zanarini MC.Description and prediction of social isolation in borderline patients over 20 years of prospective follow-up.Personal Disord. 2019;10(4):383-388. doi:10.1037/per0000337
Schmidt P, Fuchs T.The unbearable dispersal of being: Narrativity and personal identity in borderline personality disorder.Phenom Cogn Sci. 2021;20:321-340. doi:10.1007/s11097-020-09712-z
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.Borderline personality disorder.
Zeichner S.Borderline personality disorder: implications in family and pediatric practice.J Psychol Psychother. 2013;03(04). doi:10.4172/2161-0487.1000122
Eskander N, Emamy M, Saad-Omer SM, Khan F, Jahan N.The impact of impulsivity and emotional dysregulation on comorbid bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder.Cureus. 2020;12(8):e9581. doi:10.7759/cureus.9581
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