Can individuals with borderline personality disorder be alone?
Disease description:
A friend of mine has borderline personality disorder, but recently I noticed that he enjoys sitting alone. Can someone with borderline personality disorder be comfortable with solitude?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhu Gang
People with borderline personality disorder may not necessarily be able to be alone. Individuals with borderline personality disorder have an intense fear of abandonment or instability and often cannot tolerate being lonely. Although they strongly desire long-term romantic relationships, their anger, impulsivity, and frequent emotional fluctuations often drive others away. Treatment for borderline personality disorder is typically a long-term process, the duration of which depends on the severity of the individual's condition, and should involve both medication and psychotherapy under the guidance of a physician.
