Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) – intersections systematic review

Abstract

Given the well-known overlap of symptoms and diagnosis criteria between attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD), recent studies have been made in this mental health research field. It is frequently observed that adults with a BPD diagnosis show a history of childhood ADHD symptoms, as well as a diagnosis for both diseases as adults. Even though many hypotheses have been presented, the nature of the relation between these two conditions is yet to be established. Thus, the authors consider the revision of the existing studies concerning how ADHD and BPD are related to be pertinent.

PUBMED was used as a research source, with the search terms attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder and borderline personality disorder. Thirteen studies showing different possibilities and association mechanisms between ADHD and BPD were eligible for revision. All the studies have shown a statistical association between both diseases.

The data mostly support the hypotheses that the two perturbations correspond to the same disease in different stages of evolution; that both are different diseases sharing a common etymological basis; that both perturbations are synergic, mutually powering each other while in comorbidity or that childhood ADHD may be a precursor to BPD during adolescence/adulthood.

The necessity for more studies becomes evident, namely about the influence of the precocious treatment for ADHD and the development of BPD in the future and other potential factors that may be involved in this association.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.