ADHD and borderline personality disorder (BPD) can coexist and have comparable symptoms. The symptoms of BPD and ADHD can be lessened with treatment.  The neurodevelopmental illness known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by impulsive, hyperactive, and inattentive tendencies that impede growth and function. The personality illness known as borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by impulsivity, patterns of relational instability, and unstable self-image. The symptoms of ADHD and BPD are comparable to one another. Unfavorable early experiences are one example of a factor that can affect development and play a role in the development of both illnesses. There are options for treatment if you have both BPD and ADHD. The connection between BPD and ADHDThere are numerous symptoms of BPD and ADHD that overlap. According to research, between 30% and 60% of people with BPD also have ADHD.

Is it feasible to receive a BPD and ADHD diagnosis?

It is possible to receive a diagnosis of both BPD and ADHD. The two illnesses can coexist, even though their symptoms are identical and may lead to a false diagnosis. One hypothesis is that the onset of symptoms of BPD and ADHD may be related to early poor childhood events.Furthermore, research on the co-occurring diagnosis of BPD and ADHD in teenagers indicates that a subset of clinical symptoms was more common in the combined group than in either condition alone. Among these signs are: the seriousness of further mental illnessesself-destructive hostilitydrug abusesuicidal ideas Having to deal with these symptoms might be depressing and lonely. You could think about getting help from a mental health expert if you have both BPD and ADHD.

Are you going through a crisis right now?

When you think you may be experiencing a mental health emergency, you can:For both English and Spanish, dial the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.Consult with experts at Lifeline Chat Text "HOME" to 741741, the Crisis Text Line.See Suicide or Befrienders Worldwide If you need to discover the crisis hotline in your nation and you're not in the United States, stop.In the event that you choose to dial an emergency number, such as 911, request that the operator send a mental health professional, such as a Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) officer.Was this of use to you?

Symptoms of BPD and ADHD

Even though their symptoms are similar, BPD and ADHD are two distinct mental health conditions. BPD is a type of personality disorder characterized by long-term harmful behavioral patterns. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disease that can impact how particular neural pathways are formed in your brain.

BPD signs and symptoms

Typical BPD symptoms include:

unstable self-perception or sense of self

suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts

severe mood swings, persistent emptiness, and impulsive behavior

interpersonal interaction difficulties

severe opinions about other people (e.g., entirely good or evil) implies that substance abuse and BPD are related.

Symptoms of ADHD

The following are typical signs of ADHD:

Difficulty maintaining focus on assignments

Ignoring minute details

Hastily completing tasks

Lack of organization failing to complete tasks

Erratic mood

Poor self-worth forgetfulness

Losing things in the wrong place

Twitchy and restless

Putting an end to impulsive

Emotional instability

Difficulty remaining motionless and talking too much

Issues in executive functioning skills might be brought on by ADHD.

Intermittent symptoms

Though the severity of these symptoms varies between the two disorders, there are some that are shared by both. indicates that emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and, to some extent, low self-esteem and self-image are overlapping symptoms.The authors also propose that compared to individuals with ADHD, people with BPD typically experience more severe emotional dysregulation symptoms. Similarly, the way impulsive symptoms manifest varies depending on the disease.

Impulsive symptoms associated with BPD can include:

Overspending

Overindulgence in food

Harmful or careless sexual conduct

Careless driving

Impulsivity in people with ADHD typically manifests as: disturbing other people's work impatience waiting for your turn to speakresponding inquiries prior to the completion of the responseIn each case, the overlapping symptoms manifest differently.

Options for BPD and ADHD treatment

For BPD with ADHD, there are several therapy options available. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is the most well-known evidence-based treatment for borderline personality disorder. One kind of psychotherapy called dialectical behavioral therapy incorporates four primary skill components:

Awareness, stress tolerance

Control of emotions

Interpersonal efficiency

According to a review of DBT for ADHD published in 2022, there is encouraging evidence that DBT can assist people with ADHD become more proficient and reduce their symptoms.

Mentalization-based treatment (MBT) is one of the other evidence-based treatments for BPD.

psychotherapy centered on transference (TFP)

therapy centered on schemas (SFT)

The authors also touch on BPD's mental treatment. Psychiatric drugs can be used to treat other mental health issues that are associated with BPD, even though there isn't a medicine designed expressly to treat BPD.

Medication is frequently the first line of treatment for ADHD. You might be administered stimulant or non-stimulant drugs if you take ADHD medication. suggests that the best drugs for treating ADHD symptoms are stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidates.Additionally, the authors propose that non-stimulant drugs may work well as a supplemental therapy. Behavioral therapy is one treatment that can help reduce symptoms of ADHD.

Stimulants include a risk of adverse effects and the potential for addiction, so think about talking to your healthcare provider about whether they could be a good fit for you.

Conclusion

With mental health conditions like BPD and ADHD, you could have trouble controlling your emotions and act impulsively, which could have unfavorable effects. It may be difficult to maintain positive relationships, perform well at work, or go about your regular activities when you have symptoms of either disorder.You should think about getting help from a mental health professional if you have both BPD and ADHD. To find mental health professionals nearby, utilize the FindCare service. Please go to the closest emergency hospital or contact a suicide hotline if you're experiencing suicidal thoughts.