What is the clinical significance of chronic emptiness in borderline personality disorder?

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to review the clinical significance of the experience of chronic emptiness in borderline personality disorder (BPD). Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted using MEDLINE and PubMed, employing search terms including ‘emptiness’, ‘personality disorder’ and ‘borderline personality disorder’. The most relevant English-language articles and books were selected for this review. Results: Published literature and clinical experience suggest that chronic emptiness represents a substantial component of the symptom burden experienced by people with BPD, contributes to functional impairment and may distinguish BPD from other disorders such as major depressive disorder. Conclusions: Further research will elucidate the significance of chronic emptiness with regard to diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of BPD.