Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder often fear what?

1. Rejection

2. Loneliness

3. Abandonment

4. Failure

The correct answer is: Abandonment

Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) often experience an intense fear of abandonment. This fear plays a central role in their emotional responses and interactions with others. Those with BPD may be overly sensitive to signs of rejection or perceived abandonment, which can lead to frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment, such as impulsive behaviors or drastic changes in relationships. This fear is rooted in their unstable self-image and difficulties with emotional regulation, motivating behaviors intended to keep loved ones close and avoid feelings of being alone or unsupported. Understanding this key aspect of BPD can help in recognizing the challenges faced by individuals with this disorder and in developing effective therapeutic strategies to address their fears and behaviors.