This “borderline empathy paradox” reflects the theory that patients with BPD experience heightened sensitivity for social cues but are impaired in integrating this interpersonal information.44 It has also been observed that borderline patients empathize more with people in distressful or negative situations than with people in positive social situations. This may reflect their greater familiarity with negative emotions and situations. One study examined the effect of intranasal oxytocin on empathy in borderline women.
