Understanding EUPD for Professionals
What is EUPD?
Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) or Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) presents with intense emotional dysregulation, identity crises, feelings of abandonment and/or emptiness and impulsivity. It has been shown to be moderately heritable.
- The risks can be diverse and include deliberate self harm (DSH), suicide attempts, and reckless actions or disordered eating.
- Transient psychotic-like symptoms are also common.
- The suicide rate is 3-10%: higher than the general population but symptomatic recovery is a reality.
- There is evidence that EUPD typically emerges in late adolescence.
- Those with EUPD have an increased susceptibility to co-morbid psychiatric disorders.
- EUPD is often co morbid with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD, alcohol and drug misuse and bipolar disorders (the symptoms of which can be confused with EUPD).
When to refer to CAMHS
Please contact CAMHS if you have any concerns regarding risk to self or others in the context of suspected mental health difficulties.
Professionals may be able to offer a consultation to discuss whether referral to specialist services such as CAMHS is indicated, you can do this by calling (01387) 244662. Please note, we aim to speak with you on the same day, however during busy times this may happen the following day.
For more information go into the Professional Referral section.
What should I tell family?
It is important to let the family know that diagnosis and treatment is explored as a team but led by a consultant pscyiatrist. There is an extremely limited evidence base for the effectiveness of treatment of EUPD in hospital and limited use for medication but treatment involves active participation with the young person, families and agencies involved in a contracted and clear way.