Is there a link between ADHD and borderline personality disorder? 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People with BPD may have issues regulating emotions, leading to impulsive actions and chaotic relationships. Individuals with the condition may also have other mental health conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Symptoms of ADHD often begin during childhood. They include problems with focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. People with ADHD may have difficulty paying attention, sitting still, or controlling their impulses. Although BPD and ADHD are separate diagnoses, they share some overlapping symptoms, namely impulsiveness and difficulty regulating emotions. Because of these shared symptoms, doctors may find diagnosing and treating the disorders challenging. This article explores the link between ADHD and BPD and the treatments available for these conditions. Is there a link between BPD and ADHD Share on PinterestHalfpoint Images/Getty ImagesBPD and ADHD are two separate mental health diagnoses that may share some overlapping symptoms. Some people may also have both, which doctors refer to as comorbidity. Doctors classify BPD as a personality disorder. It results in marked impulsivity and a pattern of instability in a person’s relationships and self-image. Conversely, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning it is due to issues in the brain. It begins during childhood and results in difficulties focusing and impulsive behavior. Doctors are unsure of the exact cause of either BPD or ADHD, but it is likely due to a combination of factors. The causes of ADHD are likely genetics and changes in brain function and structure. The causes of BPD may include:geneticsunbalanced brain chemicalsproblems with brain developmentenvironmental factors such as trauma or neglect It seems there is a significant link between BPD diagnoses in adults and a history of childhood ADHD symptoms. This may suggest that ADHD is a developmental risk factor for BPD. What are the similarities between the conditions BPD and ADHD have several overlapping symptoms, which are often more severe in BPD. They include:impulsivityproblems regulating emotionsdifficulties with interpersonal interactions and relationshipslow self-esteem Emotional dysregulation is a primary symptom of BPD, and doctors now recognize this as an important syndrome in adult ADHD. Main differences Although both BPD and ADHD may involve struggles with impulsivity, there are differences in how this presents. For example, individuals with BPD may have difficulties with appropriate responses when stressed and may direct this into self-harm. Conversely, people with ADHD may have issues with focusing and impatience, talking over people, and interrupting others. Another difference between the conditions is that a lack of attention, or attention deficit, is a core symptom of ADHD but not BPD. Do people have both Yes, it is possible to have BPD and ADHD simultaneously. However, the prevalence of ADHD is around 5%, while for BPD, it is around 1–6%. Experts estimate that around 14% of individuals with an ADHD diagnosis in childhood later receive a diagnosis of BPD. Also, prevalence rates suggest that 18–34% of adults with ADHD also have BPD. How might the conditions affect each other Impulsivity is a feature of both BPD and ADHD, and impulsivity levels seem highest in people with both disorders. Therefore, experts believe that impulsivity is a characteristic of BPD independent of ADHD. Previously, doctors had assumed that it was a symptom of underlying ADHD. Difficulties regulating emotions are symptoms of both disorders. However, people with ADHD have the least difficulty regulating emotions, followed by those with BPD, and lastly, individuals with both. Overall, people with both conditions appear to have more intense symptoms, but more research is necessary to understand how BPD and ADHD interplay. Treatment and management Medication and psychotherapy are treatment options for both conditions, although specific recommendations may differ between BPD and ADHD. Therapy Doctors usually recommend psychotherapy as the first-line treatment for BPD. Experts developed dialectical behavioral therapy specifically for individuals with BPD. It uses mindfulness to help people become aware of their emotions, control them, and reduce self-destructive behaviors. Cognitive behavioral therapy is another option for those with BPD and ADHD. It can help individuals identify and change their beliefs and behaviors. In addition, it may reduce mood swings and urges to self-harm. If doctors diagnose a child with ADHD, they may recommend therapy geared toward the child’s parents or caregivers. These include family therapy and parent skill training. The child may also benefit from certain accommodations in school, such as additional time for exams and tailored support in classes. Medications Experts have not yet established the benefits of medication for BPD. However, a psychiatrist may recommend medications for specific symptoms such as mood swings or depression. Doctors commonly use medications for ADHD to reduce hyperactivity and help people focus. However, they may need to prescribe several different medications or dosages before finding one that works for the individual. ADHD medications are either stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps people with thought processes and attention span. Doctors may prescribe nonstimulant medications if an individual has issues with stimulant medications. They take longer to work but can also improve focus and attention. Seeking help If a person thinks that they or their child has BPD or ADHD, it is important to seek professional help. A psychiatrist can conduct various tests and assessments to confirm a diagnosis. Studies have shown that the outcome of conditions, such as BPD, improves with an early diagnosis. Doctors can then consider the best interventions to improve the individual’s symptoms and quality of life. Summary Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are both recognized mental health conditions. However, BPD is a personality disorder, while ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Although they are separate diagnoses, there are some overlapping symptoms, and an individual may have both conditions. Impulsivity, difficulty regulating emotions, and relationship issues are characteristics of both conditions. However, they may materialize differently and are often more severe in BPD. Although BPD and ADHD are potentially challenging conditions, numerous treatment options are available. Doctors may recommend a combination of psychotherapy and medications to ease symptoms and help people live a full life. Last medically reviewed on June 28, 2022Mental HealthADHD / ADDNeurology / NeurosciencePsychology / Psychiatry 6 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Borderline personality disorder. (2022). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/borderline-personality-disorderBozzatello, P., et al. (2019). Early detection and outcome in borderline personality disorder. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6794381/Ditrich, I., et al. (2021). Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) revisited – a review-update on common grounds and subtle distinctions. https://bpded.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40479-021-00162-wMagnus, W., et al. (2022). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441838/Matthies, S. D., et al. (2014). Common ground in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD)-review of recent findings. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4739390/Weiner, L., et al. (2019). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and borderline personality disorder in adults: A review of their links and risks. https://www.dovepress.com/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-and-borderline-personality-di-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-NDTFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Dannell Roberts, PhD, BCBA-D — By Zia Sherrell, MPH on June 28, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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