Why is it called 'borderline' personality disorder?

Learn about the history of the word borderline in borderline personality disorder, why this term is misleading, and what this means for your health. read more

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 be on the "border" between diagnoses, mostly psychosis and neurosis. read more

It's the outdated notion that people with BPD experience borderline psychosis - not full psychosis, but close to it. That's not the case. read more

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental illness. It can not only cause a great deal of suffering, but it also carries a high risk of suicide. Anyone diagnosed with BPD needs specifically targeted treatment. read more

For example, the Borderline Personality Disorder Resource Center was developed to assist individuals who may have borderline disorder and their families in locating clinicians skilled and experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of borderline disorder and to provide other helpful information. read more