According to a new study by Bar Ilan University's Leeav Sheena-Peer and colleagues (2025), emptiness isn't unique to BPD-but, unlike the form it takes in other disorders, it tends to be more chronic. Even so, as the authors note, "the high prevalence does not necessarily imply that it is static over time" (p. 404). Maybe, they proposed, by tracking emptiness on a daily basis, these fluctuations could be captured and better understood.
People with borderline personality disorder often have difficulty creating a structured, adult container for their life. Instead of developing and sticking to a daily schedule for predictable reoccurring events-like going to bed at a reasonable time given when they must get up in the morning-they tend to prioritize whatever feels good in the moment. For example, my client Sara told me in her session that she needed to get to sleep early because she has an important meeting the next day.
Arguments may erupt suddenly and escalate quickly, driven by intense emotions that feel overwhelming and difficult to control. There might be yelling, threats to leave, or accusations that seem disproportionate—not because the person is manipulative, but because they're deeply distressed.