The Experience of Emptiness in Narcissistic and Borderline States: II. The Struggle for a Sense of Self and the Potential for Suicide

Feelings of emptiness are a central problem for patients suffering from narcissistic disorders and/or borderline personality dusturbances. In an attempt to avoid this feeling, these patients employ defences to preserve their fragmentary selves. Detachment, exhibitionism, excessive self-concern, self-isolation, negation of other’s humaneness, assumption of a false self & acting out are some common defenses. Feelings of emptiness may be so painful that suicide is considered. (NBB)