Tackling Loneliness Among Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder in the Arab World: A Sociocultural...

Loneliness, a complex and multifaceted global issue, often affects individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), characterized by unstable relationships, poor self-image, and impulsive behavior. This paper explores the experience of loneliness among Arab patients with BPD, highlighting sociocultural challenges and barriers to seeking help. Cultural stigma, often tied to religious beliefs, significantly impedes mental healthcare in Arab societies. BPD is frequently misunderstood as divine punishment, leading individuals to seek faith healers instead of professional help. High expressed emotion (EE) in caregivers, stigma from healthcare providers, and disruptions due to wars further exacerbate isolation and loneliness among patients with BPD. Addressing BPD in the Arab world requires culturally and religiously informed approaches. Public awareness campaigns and collaboration with media and local authorities are essential to destigmatize BPD. Integrating traditional healing practices with therapy, tailored family interventions, and culturally adapted dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can improve treatment outcomes. Islamic-based psychotherapy (IBP) offers a promising approach, combining social connection and evidence-based techniques. This multifaceted approach can create a supportive environment, ultimately reducing loneliness.