BPD abandonment refers to a fear of abandonment that is commonly experienced by people with borderline personality disorder.

Sex and race have not been shown to impact the prevalence of personality disorders.

People with BPD are often diagnosed with other mental health conditions as well.

Sad Hispanic woman sitting at edge of bed

JGI/Tom Grill / Getty Images

Specific causes of BPD are unclear.

What Is BPD Abandonment?

An extreme fear of abandonment is a common symptom of BPD.

This can fear cause people with BPD to struggle to maintain healthy relationships.

The fear of abandonment can lead to the need for frequent reassurance that abandonment is not imminent.

What Does BPD Abandonment Feel Like?

Sometimes, they may abruptly cut off these relationships, effectively abandoning their partners.

Other times, they make frantic attempts to hold onto relationships.

These overly intense or erratic behaviors, in turn, often push loved ones away.

People with BPD often engage in self-sabotaging behavior.

Borderline personality disorder is often treated with psychotherapy.

Medications may be used, particularly if there are co-occurring conditions.

Often partners may unintentionally enable or exacerbate their loved one’s BPD symptoms.

National Institute of Mental Health.Borderline Personality Disorder.

National Institute of Mental Health.Personality Disorders.

2019;27(1):60-63. doi:10.1177/1039856218810154

National Alliance on Mental Health.Understanding borderline personality disorder.

National Alliance on Mental Health.Supporting Someone With Borderline Personality Disorder.