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Abandonment Anxiety

An intense fear of being left or abandoned drives destructive relationship patterns, therapy addresses the root cause.

What is Abandonment Anxiety?

Abandonment anxiety is an intense, often disproportionate fear of being left by people you care about. It typically stems from early relational experiences and leads to patterns of clinginess, jealousy, self-sabotage or emotional suppression. Schema therapy and attachment-informed CBT are particularly effective.

Do you recognise this?

✓Intense fear when a partner seems distant
✓Reassurance-seeking in relationships
✓Extreme reaction to perceived rejection
✓Choosing to leave before being left
✓Difficulty being alone
✓Rapid relationship formation to avoid loneliness

Effective treatments

These approaches are commonly recommended for Abandonment Anxiety.

Schema TherapyCBTCouples TherapyIBCT

Frequently asked questions

Is abandonment anxiety the same as borderline personality disorder?

Abandonment anxiety is a symptom, not a diagnosis. It is prominent in BPD but also occurs independently. A therapist will clarify what best describes your experience.

Find the right psychologist for Abandonment Anxiety

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