If you’ve come across the terms BPD and EUPD, you might be wondering whether they’re the same thing or two separate conditions. The short answer? They refer to the same diagnosis, but with different names depending on where you are and who you’re speaking to.
This article will break down what each term means, why the names vary, and what people are saying about using alternatives like emotional intensity disorder. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone with BPD/EUPD, or just curious, we’re here to explain things clearly and compassionately.
Table of Contents:
What do BPD and EUPD stand for?
Let’s start with the basics.
- BPD stands for borderline personality disorder.
- EUPD stands for emotionally unstable personality disorder.
Both names refer to the same mental health diagnosis, which falls under the group of conditions known as personality disorders. These are patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving that can cause distress and make daily life more difficult.
People with BPD/EUPD often experience:
- Intense emotions that can change quickly
- Difficulty with relationships
- Fear of abandonment
- Struggles with self-image
- Impulsive behaviours
- Feelings of emptiness
- Self-harming or suicidal thoughts
Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms, and each person’s experience is unique. But these traits form the basis of the diagnosis under both names.
Why are there two different names?
This is where it gets a little confusing.
BPD is the name most commonly used in the United States, Australia and Canada. It’s listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is the main classification system used in those countries.
EUPD is used more often in the UK and across Europe. It appears in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), which is used by the World Health Organization (WHO).
In the UK, both terms are often used in healthcare settings, depending on the professional and the service. Some NHS trusts use BPD, while others use EUPD. This inconsistency can sometimes be confusing for people receiving a diagnosis or seeking support.
A bit of history
The term borderline personality disorder was first used in the 1930s. It was meant to describe people who seemed to be on the “borderline” between psychosis (a break from reality) and neurosis (emotional distress without losing touch with reality). Over time, the term stuck, even though our understanding of the condition has changed a lot since then.
On the other hand, emotionally unstable personality disorder was introduced by the WHO as part of their classification system. The name was chosen to describe the emotional difficulties at the heart of the diagnosis.
In the ICD, there are even two types of EUPD:
- Impulsive type: marked by impulsive actions and mood swings
- Borderline type: includes unstable relationships, identity issues and fears of abandonment
So in some ways, the borderline label still appears under the EUPD umbrella.
Is one term better than the other?
There’s a lot of debate about this, even among professionals. Some people strongly prefer one term over the other, while others dislike both.
Arguments for BPD
- It’s more widely recognised, especially in online communities and self-help resources
- It doesn’t include the word “unstable,” which some find stigmatising
- It can feel less judgmental and more clinical
Arguments for EUPD
- It describes the emotional nature of the condition more clearly
- It avoids the confusing “borderline” label, which doesn’t make much sense today
- It’s used by international health organisations like the WHO
Concerns about both terms
Many people with lived experience feel that both names are outdated and carry a lot of stigma. The word “personality disorder” can feel harsh or make it seem like there’s something fundamentally wrong with who you are, which is not the case.
Some people also feel that the labels don’t reflect the real cause of their struggles, which may include things like trauma, invalidating environments or unmet emotional needs.
What about emotional intensity disorder?
Because of the issues with both BPD and EUPD, some people have started using alternative names that feel more compassionate and accurate.
One of the most popular alternatives is emotional intensity disorder (EID).
This term was suggested by author and psychotherapist Dr Janina Fisher, among others, and it focuses on the emotional sensitivity and intensity that many people with the condition experience.
Why some people prefer EID
- It sounds less clinical and more human
- It doesn’t suggest a flawed personality
- It highlights the emotional experience rather than behaviour
- It can reduce stigma and encourage self-compassion
Some mental health advocates and organisations are beginning to adopt this language in their work. However, it’s not (yet) an official diagnosis in the DSM or ICD, so it won’t usually appear in medical records or assessments.
Still, using terms like emotional intensity or emotional sensitivity can be a helpful way to understand your experience and to explain it to others in a gentler way.
How to choose the term that works for you
At the end of the day, language matters, but what matters most is how you feel and how well you’re supported.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- You’re allowed to use the term that feels right to you
- You can talk to your therapist, GP or care team about the language they use
- You can educate others (gently) if you feel able and want to help reduce stigma
- You can change your mind over time—it’s okay
Some people use “BPD” when talking to doctors and “EID” when talking to friends. Others stick with one term or avoid labels altogether. It’s your choice.
Final thoughts: BPD vs EUPD
BPD and EUPD are two names for the same mental health condition: one rooted in American psychiatry, the other in global health systems. Neither name is perfect, and both have their critics. But both point to real emotional challenges that deserve understanding, support and compassion.
If you live with this diagnosis, remember: it’s not your fault, and you’re not alone. Whether you call it BPD, EUPD, emotional intensity disorder or something else entirely, what matters most is getting the help you need and finding ways to make life feel a little bit easier.
And if you’re supporting someone with this diagnosis, using respectful, non-judgmental language is a powerful way to show that you care.
