BPD and ADHD

Borderline personality disorder consists of pervasive affective (mood) instability, impulsivity, unstable relationships and self-image problems. It affects 1-2% of the population and is characterised by severe psychosocial impairment and a high suicide rate. According to some researchers 60% of adults with BPD meet the criteria for childhood Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) but no study has investigated the prevalence and impact of adult ADHD in people with BPD. A German study of 118 women seeking treatment for BPD found that 41.5% of them had suffered from ADHD in their childhood and 16.1% still suffered from it as adults. Childhood ADHD was associated with emotional abuse in childhood and greater severity of adult BPD symptoms while adult ADHD was associated with a greater risk for other mental-health problems.

Philipsen, Alexandra ... [et al] - Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder as a potentially aggravating factor in borderline personality disorder British Journal of Psychiatry February 2008, 192(2), 118-123