Understanding EUPD for Young People
What is EUPD?
EUPD is also known as Borderline Personality Disorder or Emotionally unstable Personality Disorder.
A personality disorder develops in the late teenage years and can be diagnosed in CAMHS by a consultant psychiatrist.
How might this affect me?
Some people with EUPD have a history of trauma, others do not. There are usually rapidly changing emotions/feelings and feelings of emptiness, struggles with relationships and work/school. People might do risky things such as self harming or trying to end their life.
What can I do to help myself?
- It is really important that you speak to someone if you are struggling with self harm and social thoughts or acts. There is help out there.
- Mention that you are thinking about EUPD to your GP, A&E or CAMHS and we will do our best to look at this to help you.
- EUPD treatment needs you to be part of the team and this is sometimes hard to do when you feel so bad. But a care plan strongly involves you trying things and working with professionals.
When might a referral be appropriate?
If you or a professional thinks you might have EUPD or if you are putting yourself in really risk situations then this might be the time to speak with a CAMHS consultant.
What can I expect?
A doctor will meet with you and get to know you. They might provide you with a questionnaire to fill in and they will give you lots of information to keep in a folder and look over. You might be asked to draw up a safety contact and commit to therapy and you might do some psychological work with the team.
Medication is not usually prescribed and hospital admissions are not always indicated. We may want to involve other professionals along with you to keep you safe.
Understanding EUPD for Parents & Carers
How do I know if my child has EUPD?
EUPD is a diagnosis of exclusion so it’s important that your child sees a consultant to consider a full psychiatric assessment and consideration of their wider story and life.
You may suspect EUPD if your child has had longstanding difficulties with changing emotions, struggles with relationships and engages in risky behaviours. There may or may not be a family history or a history of trauma.
How might this affect them?
Dealing with EUPD can be hard and scary. People may put themselves at risk with self-harming acts and behaviours.
It may feel like nothing is working. They may present to services frequently and engage in other risky behaviours. It is important to seek help early.
What can I do to help my child?
It is important that you try and work alongside your child although it is recognised how hard this can be when things are risky.
People with EUPD benefit from predictable responses. It is also important that you ask for help and support should you need it.
What can I expect?
There will be an assigned consultant psychiatrist with a clear care plan that would be shared with all agencies if consent is gained. Sometimes we draw up an anticipatory care plan with contracts and this includes boundaries on hospital admissions and use of medications.
The key is clear communication to allow the young person to feel supported in a predictable way without stigma and judgement. You may be asked to participate in some treatment programmes alongside your child. You will be given lots of resources to help with education around this condition