What is limerence and how does it relate to BPD?

Limerence is an intense, obsessive infatuation with one person, which can be a distressing symptom experienced by some individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

What are the signs of limerence?

Signs include persistent intrusive thoughts about a person, idealizing them, intense anxiety over delayed responses, and feeling emotionally 'addicted'.

Can limerence be treated?

Yes, therapies can help individuals manage limerence, build a secure sense of self, and develop healthier relationships, especially when linked to conditions like BPD.

Home / Health / Limerence: Love or BPD Symptom?

Limerence: Love or BPD Symptom?

23 Nov

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Summary

Limerence is an obsessive fixation, potentially a BPD symptom.
It causes intense preoccupation and emotional dependence.
Professional help is vital when limerence becomes distressing.

An intense, obsessive fixation on another person, known as limerence, may not be love but rather a symptom sometimes associated with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Psychiatrist Professor Ahmed Hankir explains that limerence can be one of the most distressing experiences for individuals with BPD, leading to an overwhelming preoccupation with another person.

Limerence is characterized by intrusive thoughts, extreme sensitivity to a person's behavior, and mood swings tied to perceived reciprocation, potentially dominating daily life for years. While it can occur in individuals with BPD, it is not exclusive to the disorder and can leave sufferers feeling powerless and psychologically imprisoned.

This intense emotional dependence and fear of abandonment can severely disrupt concentration, work, sleep, and relationships. Hankir emphasizes that when these feelings become compulsive, uncontrollable, and distressing, seeking professional help is essential for managing BPD and related symptoms.

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