Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Borderline Personality Disorder

The association between attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) has received considerable attention due to similar clinical features of these disorders. Remarkable shared overlapping symptoms and considerable co-occurring have been reported in clinical manifestations between ADHD and BPD. Furthermore, ADHD and BPD have shared common behavioral and neuropsychological disturbances, which may elucidate the putative developmental associations between these two disorders. The co-occurrence between ADHD and BPD can be explained based on two communal dimensions, including impulsivity and emotion dysregulation. In addition, based on studies, childhood ADHD can be considered a potential precursor of BPD in adulthood. Impulsivity and emotional dysregulation are reported as the main symptoms of both ADHD and BPD. Shared warning signs consist of impulsivity and anger, which are considered trait-like dimensions of BPD as well as some of the core mediators of ADHD symptoms in childhood and BPD diagnosis in adulthood. Moreover, interpersonal issues are also reported in both BPD and ADHD. A great body of investigations has demonstrated that adverse and traumatic experiences are highly prevalent in BPD and in ADHD patients as well.