BPD History of the Term "Borderline" in Borderline Personality Disorder By Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and associate professor of psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University. Learn about our editorial process Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on April 10, 2020 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on April 10, 2020 Print Jamie Grill/Tetra Images/Getty Images Many wonder how the term borderline came to describe borderline personality disorder. Let's learn more about the origin of this term, and why its use is debated by some experts today. History of "Borderline" in Borderline Personality Disorder The term "borderline" was first introduced in the United States in 1938. It was a term used by early psychiatrists to describe people who were thought to have a tendency to regress into "borderline schizophrenia" in certain situations. At the time, people with neurosis were believed to be treatable, whereas people with psychoses were deemed untreatable. Then, by the 1970s, a deeper understanding of borderline personality disorder began to emerge. Psychoanalysts like Otto Kernberg defined borderline as a middle level of personality organization between psychosis and neurosis. People with BPD were described as having "primitive" psychological defenses such as splitting and projective identification. Soon, a pattern of symptoms began to emerge to describe those with borderline personality disorder. These included: Unstable self-image Rapidly fluctuating mood swings Fear of abandonment Strong tendency for both self-harm and suicidal thinking In 1980, BPD became an official personality disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders III or DSM-III. Overview of the DSM Borderline Personality Disorder Today Today far more is known about BPD. Now BPD is recognized as a disorder characterized by intense emotional experiences and instability in relationships and behavior that begins in early adulthood and manifests itself in multiple contexts (for example, at home, and at work). In addition, experts have recognized that there is a strong genetic component to BPD. According to the DSM-5, in order to be diagnosed with BPD, a person must meet these criteria: A pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self image, and emotions Frantic efforts to avoid real or imaged abandonment Impulsivity that is self-damaging Recurrent suicidal behavior Chronic feelings of emptiness Inappropriate, intense anger Transient stress related to alternations in reality If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for 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 our National Helpline Database. The Ongoing Debate The term "borderline" is still debated by some people. Many experts are now calling for BPD to be renamed because they believe the term "borderline" is outdated and potentially stigmatizing. Some believe that BPD should not be classified as a personality disorder, but rather as a mood disorder, or an identity disorder. Suggestions for the new name have included: Emotional Dysregulation Disorder Emotional Intensity Disorder BPD and Identity Problems What Does This Mean for You If You Have BPD? It's important to not get too hung up on the term "borderline." The term is old and may be changed in the future. Instead, focus on working with your doctor or therapist in receiving the proper therapy and getting all your questions answered so that you can get healthy. Borderline Personality Disorder Discussion Guide Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor's appointment. Download PDF Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. 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 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 Additional Reading American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. Bernstein DP et al. Opinions of Personality Disorder Experts Regarding the DSM-IV Personality Disorders Classification System. J Pers Disord. 2007 Oct;21(5):536-51. Gunderson JG. Borderline Personality Disorder: Ontogeny of a Diagnosis. Am J Psychiatry. 2009 May;166(5):530-39. Borderline Personality Disorder: Treatment and Management. NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 78.National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (UK). Leicester (UK): British Psychological Society; 2009.