What Is the Connection Between ADHD and BPD?
For many individuals, ADHD symptoms go beyond forgetfulness and distraction. Losing keys multiple times daily, struggling to recall conversations, and unintentionally interrupting others can be daily challenges. However, the emotional highs and lows can be even more overwhelming—one moment feeling unstoppable, the next convinced that relationships are unraveling.
An ADHD diagnosis often explains the racing thoughts, impulsivity, and difficulty maintaining focus. Yet, for some, there’s another layer to the experience. When emotions feel uncontrollable, self-image shifts frequently, and a persistent sense of emptiness lingers, it may point to a coexisting condition. In such cases, a borderline personality disorder (BPD) diagnosis can help provide further clarity.
ADHD and BPD together—comorbid ADHD and BPD—can make life feel unpredictable. One affects focus, the other emotions, and together, their severe symptoms make even simple things feel overwhelming. But the good news? Understanding how these mental health conditions interact can help you take back control. Whether you’re wondering if you might have both, already have a diagnosis, or are supporting someone who does, let’s break down what this means—and how to make life a little easier.
Do ADHD and BPD Have Overlapping Symptoms?
Both disorders involve emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and difficulty maintaining stable relationships. However, their underlying causes are different. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention and hyperactivity, whereas BPD is a personality disorder often linked to trauma and instability.
Research shows a significant overlap between ADHD and BPD. For instance, a study published in BMC Psychiatry found that as many as 80% of adults with ADHD have at least one coexisting psychiatric disorder, including personality disorders. The connection may stem from impaired impulse control, difficulty regulating emotions, and childhood trauma, which are common risk factors.
What Are the Key Differences Between ADHD and BPD?
While ADHD and BPD share some overlapping traits, their root causes and how they manifest in daily life are quite different. Here’s how they compare:
- Impulsivity – People with ADHD tend to act without thinking, like blurting out answers in class or making impulse purchases they regret later. In BPD, impulsivity is more emotionally driven, often leading to self-destructive behaviors like reckless spending, binge eating, or risky relationships.
- Emotional Control – ADHD symptoms include frustration and mood swings, but emotions typically pass quickly. In borderline personality disorder, emotions feel overwhelming and long-lasting, often triggered by fear of abandonment or rejection.
- Relationships – ADHD can make someone forgetful or struggle with maintaining attention in conversations, which may unintentionally hurt others. BPD, on the other hand, is characterized by unstable and intense relationships, often swinging between deep attachment and sudden conflict.
- Self-Image – A person with ADHD may not dwell on their social missteps or identity much. In contrast, BPD can cause chronic feelings of emptiness, leading to frequent shifts in self-identity—one day feeling confident and the next feeling completely lost.
- Cause – ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning it’s present from childhood and linked to brain structure and function. BPD is a personality disorder often tied to trauma, emotional neglect, or childhood instability.
For example, someone with ADHD might forget a friend’s birthday but not feel deeply guilty about it. Meanwhile, someone with BPD might perceive forgetfulness as rejection, triggering intense emotional distress or even a breakup. Recognizing these differences is important for understanding and finding the right treatment approach.
Why Are ADHD and BPD Often Diagnosed Together?
Research shows that 30% of individuals with BPD also have ADHD. Childhood ADHD, when combined with emotional neglect or trauma, increases the likelihood of developing BPD.
A study in Psychiatry Research found that environmental risk factors, such as childhood emotional and sexual abuse, neglect, or invalidation, contribute to the development of BPD in those already diagnosed with ADHD. If someone with ADHD grows up in a chaotic or neglectful environment, they may develop maladaptive coping mechanisms, leading to BPD symptoms.
What Are the Best Treatments for ADHD and BPD?
Because ADHD and BPD affect emotional regulation differently, treatment must be customized. The best approach often includes therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Considered the gold standard for BPD, DBT teaches emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helpful for ADHD, CBT improves impulse control and organization.
- Medication:
- ADHD is often treated with stimulants or non-stimulants.
- BPD may require mood stabilizers or antidepressants.
- Family Therapy: Improves communication and boundaries, which can be challenging with both disorders.
A comprehensive review published in Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation discusses the overlap in symptom domains, particularly impulsivity and emotional dysregulation, in ADHD and BPD. The review emphasizes the need for treatment strategies that target both impulse control and emotional stability to manage the comorbidity effectively.
How Can You Support a Loved One With ADHD and BPD?
Supporting someone with both ADHD and BPD might feel like walking on a tightrope. One moment, they’re bursting with energy and excitement; the next, they’re overwhelmed by emotions that seem impossible to calm. It’s frustrating, confusing, and even exhausting—but with patience, knowledge, and the right approach, you will guide them through life more smoothly.
Here are some ways to offer support while maintaining your well-being:
- Validate Their Feelings – If your loved one has BPD, they might take things personally, even when no harm was intended. A forgotten text or a change in plans could feel like rejection. Instead of saying, “You’re overreacting,” try: “I understand why that hurt. I promise I wasn’t ignoring you.” Validation doesn’t mean agreeing, but acknowledging their emotions without judgment.
- Encourage Therapy – Both ADHD and BPD benefit from therapy, but different approaches work best for each. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a game-changer for BPD, helping with emotional regulation and distress tolerance. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective for ADHD treatment, improving impulse control and focus. If they’re struggling, suggest professional help from Healing Psychiatry Florida—they offer ADHD treatment options that make daily life more manageable.
- Set Boundaries (And Stick to Them) – Impulsivity is common in both conditions, which leads to crossing emotional and physical boundaries without realizing it. If your loved one constantly calls at odd hours or expects you to drop everything for them, it’s okay to say: “I care about you, but I can’t answer late-night calls. Let’s talk tomorrow.” Boundaries protect both of you and prevent resentment from building up.
- Help With Organization – ADHD overwhelms basic life tasks—appointments are forgotten, bills pile up, and deadlines sneak up like ninjas. If they struggle, gently offer support rather than stepping in to do everything for them. A simple “Hey, want to set a reminder for that?” or creating a shared calendar will help them stay on track without feeling controlled.
- Stay Informed – The more you understand ADHD symptoms and BPD behaviors, the easier it is to support your loved one without taking things personally. Check out this blog on ADHD myths and facts to clear up common misconceptions and learn how ADHD truly affects day-to-day life.
Supporting someone with both ADHD and BPD isn’t about fixing them—it’s about walking alongside them, encouraging growth, and knowing when to step back. If you’re struggling, therapy isn’t just for them—it can also help you face these challenges.
Summary
Living with both ADHD and BPD is tough, but the right support and treatment make a big difference. Understanding how ADHD symptoms and BPD behaviors interact helps in changing relationships, managing emotions, and making daily life more manageable. Therapy, structure, and informed support will improve emotional regulation and stability. If you or a loved one struggles with comorbid ADHD and BPD, getting a professional diagnosis is the first step toward an effective treatment plan.
Take the Next Step Toward Support and Treatment
You don’t have to figure this out alone. A mental health professional can help with ADHD diagnosis, BPD treatment, and customized therapy options that fit your needs. Healing Psychiatry Florida specializes in comprehensive mental health care, including ADHD treatment and therapy for emotional regulation. If you’re ready to take control of your mental health, reach out today to book an appointment and start your journey toward a healthier, more balanced life.
FAQs About ADHD and BPD: Understanding the Connection
Can You Have Both ADHD and BPD?
Yes, it’s possible to have both BPD and ADHD, and research shows that they frequently co-occur. Many people with clinically diagnosed ADHD also meet the criteria for borderline personality disorder (BPD) due to shared traits like impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and difficulty maintaining relationships. However, while they may look similar, these are distinct psychiatric disorders with different causes and treatment strategies.
How Are ADHD and BPD Different?
Though BPD and ADHD share some overlapping symptoms, they have different underlying causes:
- Deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control, and executive functioning. It is typically diagnosed in childhood but persists into adulthood (adult ADHD).
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental disorder that affects self-identity, relationships, and emotional stability. It is often linked to early trauma or unstable attachments.
A key difference? ADHD patients often struggle with inattentive symptoms and hyperactivity, while intense emotions, fear of abandonment, and unstable self-image mark BPD.
How Does ADHD Affect Emotional Control Compared to BPD?
Both disorders involve emotional dysregulation, but for different reasons:
- ADHD patients experience neuropsychological and behavioral disinhibition, meaning they have difficulty filtering emotions before acting. Their emotional reactions are often impulsive and short-lived.
- BPD patients struggle with intense, prolonged emotional swings, often triggered by external factors like rejection or perceived abandonment. Their emotions linger longer and might lead to self-destructive behaviors.
Why Are ADHD and BPD Sometimes Misdiagnosed?
Because both BPD and ADHD involve impulsivity, emotional instability, and difficulty with relationships, one is sometimes mistaken for the other. Some individuals with clinically diagnosed ADHD may have BPD, or vice versa.
A proper diagnosis requires a thorough psychiatric evaluation using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) criteria. A mental health professional will help determine whether someone has ADHD, BPD, or both.
Can ADHD Medications Treat BPD Symptoms?
Not directly. ADHD medications are designed to improve focus, reduce inattentive symptoms, and manage impulsivity in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They do not treat the emotional instability and relationship difficulties seen in BPD.
For BPD symptoms, therapies like Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) are far more effective in helping individuals manage intense emotions, reduce impulsivity, and develop healthier relationships.
What Treatments Work Best for ADHD and BPD?
Since both BPD and ADHD affect different aspects of daily life, a combined treatment plan is often the best approach:
Medication – Stimulants or non-stimulants for ADHD, and sometimes mood stabilizers or antidepressants for bipolar disorder (bipolar disorder can co-occur with BPD).
✔ Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – This therapy is highly effective for BPD, helping with emotional control, distress tolerance, and impulse management.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Useful for ADHD patients struggling with time management, procrastination, and focus issues.
Emotional Regulation Strategies – Techniques like mindfulness, structured routines, and self-monitoring help individuals with BPD and ADHD face daily challenges.
How Can I Manage ADHD and BPD in Daily Life?
Stick to a Routine – Structure helps ADHD patients stay on track and reduces emotional overwhelm for those with BPD.
Practice Mindfulness – Helps with neuropsychological and behavioral disinhibition, making staying present and avoiding emotional outbursts easier.
Set Boundaries in Relationships – Especially important for BPD, as intense emotions create instability in friendships and romantic partnerships.
Use External Reminders – People with deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) benefit from alarms, sticky notes, and planners to stay organized.
Seek Professional Support – Therapy will help both BPD and ADHD by improving coping skills, emotional regulation, and impulsivity control.