Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat the Term MeansSigns & SymptomsUnderstanding the StigmaBPD Treatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What the Term Means
Signs & Symptoms
Understanding the Stigma
BPD Treatment
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Language Note: While people may still use the term “emotionally unstable,” this term is not an official diagnosis and is both stigmatizing and offensive. It’s more appropriate to use the term borderline personality disorder (BPD).
What Does the Term ‘Emotionally Unstable’ Mean?
Emotional instabilityis a catch-all term sometimes used to refer to unpredictable reactions and extreme emotions. While it is natural for everyone to experience a range of emotions, the term is usually used when discussing people who have more difficulty regulating their emotions.
It is not an official diagnosis, but it is common to hear its use when discussing emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD) or, as it’s more commonly known,borderline personality disorder(BPD).
That said, difficulty in regulating emotions can also occur within other mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
What Is Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD)?
BPD, if left untreated, can severely impact a person’s life behavior, self-image and stress-related thinking. Thus, it is commonly associated with issues like relationship, work, and school problems.
Why This Terminology Is ProblematicThe term EUPD is seldom used these days due to the negative connotations it denotes. For example, a recent 2021 observational study found the term EUPD causes stigma to patients, thus further limiting their access to mental health services.They also found that it lacks the nuance to accurately reflect the true nature and gravity of the illness.
Why This Terminology Is Problematic
The term EUPD is seldom used these days due to the negative connotations it denotes. For example, a recent 2021 observational study found the term EUPD causes stigma to patients, thus further limiting their access to mental health services.They also found that it lacks the nuance to accurately reflect the true nature and gravity of the illness.
In some cases, the term “emotional intensity disorder” (EID) is also used in its place. However, this term is less commonly used as its deemed quite controversial too.
What Is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
Signs & Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
People with BPD don’t all experience the same symptoms, and the condition can look different for everyone. In addition, the frequency, duration, and severity of these symptoms also change depending on a person and their history. However, there is ample research on the topic; therefore, there are many common signs that help clinicians diagnose someone with it.
Some common signs and symptoms of BPD include:
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.
Is It Appropriate to Use the Term “Emotionally Unstable?”
While the term is sometimes used in a clinical setting, it is inappropriate to use. The statement brings forth negative connotations; therefore, it is highly offensive and stigmatizing. For example, a 2007 study found that stigma against mental illness contributes to the hesitancy of young people seeking help for their mental illnesses.
The study found 250 labels that were deemed stigmatizing and “unstable” was one of them. In addition, using the term around someone struggling with their mental health could worsen their emotional regulation.
“Emotionally unstable” is an impolite and triggering term; therefore, it is highly advised that people remove it from their vocabulary.
What to Say Instead
Well, it is important to interrogate what it is you are actually trying to say and be specific. For example, instead of naming the situation, perhaps it may be best to think of ways to defuse the emotions being expressed. Ask the individual how you can help make them feel safe or perhaps, help them seek medical care.
Other than this, the most agreed-upon term used when discussing issues with managing, expressing, and coping with emotions is “emotion regulation.” While it is broad, it does not carry the same stigma and harshness.
How Is Borderline Personality Disorder Treated?
At one point in time, many experts believed that BPD was treatment-resistant. However, current research shows that BPD is very treatable with the right mental health professional.As a result, there are many people with BPD who are leading fulfilling lives.
Some of the most common treatment options include:
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapyis the most typical treatment option for those with BPD. There are a few different types that are seen as effective in treating BPD; these are:
Medication
Some medications commonly prescribed include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and antianxiety medication.
Other Treatment Options
In times of crisis, hospitalizations or more intensive treatments can sometimes be recommended. While this is a stigmatized option, it is important not to feel any shame in receiving this treatment option. You are more than deserving of getting help that you need.
A Word From Verywell
While emotional instability is a very real and difficult thing to deal with, using the term “emotionally unstable” is not advisable. While you may mean well, it is important to remember that for some it may be a very sensitive and triggering term. Therefore, to be safe it is best to use another term, or offer more practical advice, such as self-care and mindfulness.
8 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.Gross JJ.Emotion regulation: current status and future prospects.Psychological Inquiry. 2015;26(1):1–26. DOI: 10.1080/1047840X.2014.940781Sharma A, McClellan J.Emotional and Behavioral Dysregulation in Severe Mental Illness.Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2021;30(2):415–429. DOI:10.1016/j.chc.2020.10.010Borderline personality disorder. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Shahpesandy H, Mohammed-Ali R, Oakes M, Al-Kubaisy T, Cheetham A, Anene M.Management of 201 individuals with emotionally unstable personality disorders: A naturalistic observational study in real-world inpatient setting.Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2021;42(3):200–212.Biskin RS, Paris J.Diagnosing borderline personality disorder.CMAJ. 2012;184(16):1789–1794. doi:10.1503/cmaj.090618Rose D, Thornicroft G, Pinfold V, Kassam A.250 labels used to stigmatise people with mental illness.BMC Health Serv Res. 2007;7(1):97. DOI: 10.1186/1472–6963–7–97Choi-Kain LW, Finch EF, Masland SR, Jenkins JA, Unruh BT.What works in the treatment of borderline personality disorder.Curr Behav Neurosci Rep. 2017;4(1):21–30. DOI:10.1007/s40473–017–0103-zRipoll LH.Psychopharmacologic treatment of borderline personality disorder.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2013;15(2):213–224.
8 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.Gross JJ.Emotion regulation: current status and future prospects.Psychological Inquiry. 2015;26(1):1–26. DOI: 10.1080/1047840X.2014.940781Sharma A, McClellan J.Emotional and Behavioral Dysregulation in Severe Mental Illness.Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2021;30(2):415–429. DOI:10.1016/j.chc.2020.10.010Borderline personality disorder. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Shahpesandy H, Mohammed-Ali R, Oakes M, Al-Kubaisy T, Cheetham A, Anene M.Management of 201 individuals with emotionally unstable personality disorders: A naturalistic observational study in real-world inpatient setting.Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2021;42(3):200–212.Biskin RS, Paris J.Diagnosing borderline personality disorder.CMAJ. 2012;184(16):1789–1794. doi:10.1503/cmaj.090618Rose D, Thornicroft G, Pinfold V, Kassam A.250 labels used to stigmatise people with mental illness.BMC Health Serv Res. 2007;7(1):97. DOI: 10.1186/1472–6963–7–97Choi-Kain LW, Finch EF, Masland SR, Jenkins JA, Unruh BT.What works in the treatment of borderline personality disorder.Curr Behav Neurosci Rep. 2017;4(1):21–30. DOI:10.1007/s40473–017–0103-zRipoll LH.Psychopharmacologic treatment of borderline personality disorder.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2013;15(2):213–224.
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.
Gross JJ.Emotion regulation: current status and future prospects.Psychological Inquiry. 2015;26(1):1–26. DOI: 10.1080/1047840X.2014.940781Sharma A, McClellan J.Emotional and Behavioral Dysregulation in Severe Mental Illness.Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2021;30(2):415–429. DOI:10.1016/j.chc.2020.10.010Borderline personality disorder. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Shahpesandy H, Mohammed-Ali R, Oakes M, Al-Kubaisy T, Cheetham A, Anene M.Management of 201 individuals with emotionally unstable personality disorders: A naturalistic observational study in real-world inpatient setting.Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2021;42(3):200–212.Biskin RS, Paris J.Diagnosing borderline personality disorder.CMAJ. 2012;184(16):1789–1794. doi:10.1503/cmaj.090618Rose D, Thornicroft G, Pinfold V, Kassam A.250 labels used to stigmatise people with mental illness.BMC Health Serv Res. 2007;7(1):97. DOI: 10.1186/1472–6963–7–97Choi-Kain LW, Finch EF, Masland SR, Jenkins JA, Unruh BT.What works in the treatment of borderline personality disorder.Curr Behav Neurosci Rep. 2017;4(1):21–30. DOI:10.1007/s40473–017–0103-zRipoll LH.Psychopharmacologic treatment of borderline personality disorder.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2013;15(2):213–224.
Gross JJ.Emotion regulation: current status and future prospects.Psychological Inquiry. 2015;26(1):1–26. DOI: 10.1080/1047840X.2014.940781
Sharma A, McClellan J.Emotional and Behavioral Dysregulation in Severe Mental Illness.Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2021;30(2):415–429. DOI:10.1016/j.chc.2020.10.010
Borderline personality disorder. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Shahpesandy H, Mohammed-Ali R, Oakes M, Al-Kubaisy T, Cheetham A, Anene M.Management of 201 individuals with emotionally unstable personality disorders: A naturalistic observational study in real-world inpatient setting.Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2021;42(3):200–212.
Biskin RS, Paris J.Diagnosing borderline personality disorder.CMAJ. 2012;184(16):1789–1794. doi:10.1503/cmaj.090618
Rose D, Thornicroft G, Pinfold V, Kassam A.250 labels used to stigmatise people with mental illness.BMC Health Serv Res. 2007;7(1):97. DOI: 10.1186/1472–6963–7–97
Choi-Kain LW, Finch EF, Masland SR, Jenkins JA, Unruh BT.What works in the treatment of borderline personality disorder.Curr Behav Neurosci Rep. 2017;4(1):21–30. DOI:10.1007/s40473–017–0103-z
Ripoll LH.Psychopharmacologic treatment of borderline personality disorder.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2013;15(2):213–224.
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