Profound Sense of Emptiness
A deep, persistent sense of inner emptiness, hollowness, or void. Distinguished from sadness by the absence of emotional content – a feeling of nothing rather than pain. Commonly associated with borderline personality disorder, depression, and dissociation.
Quick answer
Profound sense of emptiness (ICD-10: F60.3 criterion; ICD-11: 6D10 criterion) is a core feature of BPD and also presents in depression, complex PTSD, and dissociation. DBT has the strongest evidence. Schema therapy and existential psychotherapy are evidence-informed adjuncts. Professional support is essential where self-harm or suicidality is present.
Recognition
Do any of these feel familiar?
Feeling hollow, numb, or internally vacant
Sense that something fundamental is missing but unable to identify what
Emotional flatness or inability to feel deeply
Seeking stimulation (risk-taking, substances, intense relationships) to fill the void
Feeling disconnected from oneself and others even in company
What is Profound Sense of Emptiness?
A deep, persistent sense of inner emptiness, hollowness, or void. Distinguished from sadness by the absence of emotional content – a feeling of nothing rather than pain. Commonly associated with borderline personality disorder, depression, and dissociation.
Approaches Commonly Explored
Commonly explored for conditions related to Profound Sense of Emptiness, grouped by mechanism — select your subtype above to highlight the most relevant path.
How to use these approaches
Most people begin with Stabilise approaches, then progress toward Resolve and Sustain.
Cognitive patterns, emotional processing, and stress response.
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