Despite their differences, both ADHD and BPD have symptoms of impulsiveness, difficulty regulating emotions, and challenges with interpersonal interactions and relationships. The overlap between the two conditions can sometimes make the diagnosis and treatment of them more challenging.
Learn more about the similarities and differences between BPD and ADHD and how the two conditions are treated.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
BPD and ADHD are two different mental health conditions with some unique symptoms. However, the ADHD and BPD relationship is somewhat complex. Some of their symptoms overlap, making the conditions more challenging to diagnose and treat. It is important to understand the symptoms of each condition individually to better understand their relationship.
Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
Symptoms of BPD include:
Mood swings Abandonment avoidance Extreme relationship pattern shifts between love and hate Trust issues with other people Feeling disconnected Self-image or self-esteem uncertainty Extreme views Quickly changing views or opinions Self-harm Thoughts of suicide Feeling empty Anger management challenges
Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Symptoms of ADHD include:
For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
Difficulty with attentionDifficulty following instructionsOrganizational challengesTime management issuesCareless mistakes or missed detailsResponding before the appropriate time to respondThe appearance of not listeningAvoidance of lengthy tasks or projectsForgetfulnessDifficulty sitting stillFidgetingRestlessnessBeing inappropriately activeImpulsivityExcessive talkingDifficulty with quiet activitiesDifficulty with patience and waitingInappropriately interrupting Emotional regulation challenges
Overlapping Symptoms
The symptoms that overlap between BPD and ADHD are those related to impulsiveness, difficulty regulating emotions, and challenges with interpersonal interactions and relationships. BPD and ADHD may also be comorbid, which means they occur together in the same person at the same time. This may make it even more difficult to distinguish between the two, but there are differences in the way the overlapping symptoms present.
The Difference Between BPD and ADHD
While people with BPD and people with ADHD may both struggle with impulsiveness, difficulty regulating emotions, and challenges with interpersonal interactions and relationships, these symptoms tend to be more severe in BPD. For example, people with borderline personality disorder are more likely to harm themselves.
There are also differences in the ways people with BPD and people with ADHD struggle with these symptoms and how they respond to those struggles. For example, they are generally not impulsive in the same ways. People with BPD tend to struggle with responding appropriately while stressed. People with ADHD, on the other hand, struggle more with thinking before acting when they are not focused.
Treatment
The primary treatment for borderline personality disorder is psychotherapy, or talk therapy. This can be challenging with comorbid BPD and ADHD because people with ADHD often struggle to stay focused for talk therapy. A combination of medication and psychotherapy is often used to treat both together.
For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
Medications
When BPD and ADHD are present together, a combination of medication and psychotherapy is often used for treatment. Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (MPH) are often a first-line treatment for ADHD. One study found MPH effective in treatment of comorbid (co-occurring) ADHD and BPD. However, there is limited research about medicinal treatments for comorbid ADHD and BPD.
Psychotherapy
For talk therapy, there are several psychotherapies for BPD. These include dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT, transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP), and mentalization-based therapy (MBT). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, and DBT are used for both conditions. In addition to medications and talk therapy, coaching is also an option to focus on behaviors related to ADHD. Family therapy and parenting skills training may be used with children who have ADHD and their families.
Summary
Borderline personality disorder, or BPD, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, are both mental health conditions. Although they are different, they do have some overlapping symptoms and may occur together in the same person at the same time.
People with ADHD and people with BPD both struggle with impulsiveness, difficulty regulating emotions, and challenges with interpersonal interactions and relationships. However, the way they experience and respond to these struggles is different, and they tend to be more severe in BPD.
Though the relationship between BPD and ADHD makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated, there are treatment options available. People who suspect or have been diagnosed with BPD, ADHD, or both can effectively manage symptoms with the help of a mental health professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
A Word From Verywell
It can be challenging to be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and even more challenging if it is both. If you or someone you know has BPD or ADHD, or if it is suspected, support is available. Talk to your primary care or family doctor, or a psychologist or psychiatrist, about treatment and coping options. It is possible to manage symptoms and live well with these conditions.
