Myth Busting: Can you have both Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and ADHD?
One common myth surrounding Borderline Personality Disorder (sometimes called Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is that you can’t have both at the same time. This myth often arises from the assumption that the two conditions are entirely separate, distinct, or even mutually exclusive. However, the reality is much more complex. In fact, many individuals experience both conditions simultaneously, and this comorbidity is more common than people might think. Let’s break down some of the most persistent myths about having both BPD and ADHD, and why they’re simply not true.
Myth 1: "You can’t have both BPD and ADHD."
Fact: Yes, you can have both.
It’s entirely possible for someone to be diagnosed with both Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In fact, research shows that comorbidity (having two or more disorders at the same time) is quite common. Many of the symptoms of BPD and ADHD can overlap—such as impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and difficulty managing relationships—which makes it more difficult for healthcare providers to differentiate between the two conditions. However, these overlapping traits don’t mean that the disorders cannot coexist.
Having both BPD and ADHD can sometimes make the diagnosis and treatment process more challenging, but with the right professional evaluation and comprehensive treatment plan, individuals can manage both conditions effectively.
Myth 2: "If you have BPD, ADHD symptoms aren’t possible."
Fact: ADHD symptoms can exist alongside BPD.
People with BPD may already experience emotional volatility, mood swings, and impulsive behaviour, which can sometimes overshadow the more typical symptoms of ADHD (such as inattention or disorganisation). However, ADHD symptoms can still persist even when someone has BPD. For example, women with BPD might be diagnosed with ADHD later in life when their symptoms are not fully attributed to emotional dysregulation or unstable relationships. This means that inattention, difficulty focusing, and disorganisation might go unnoticed and be incorrectly attributed to emotional issues rather than ADHD.
Women with BPD might also find themselves overwhelmed by daily tasks due to poor time management or forgetfulness—classic symptoms of ADHD. So, even if emotional regulation is a major issue, ADHD symptoms can be present and should not be dismissed.
Myth 3: "BPD is a ‘personality’ issue, while ADHD is a ‘brain’ issue, so they can’t overlap."
Fact: Both are complex conditions that can share underlying neurobiological components.
It’s true that BPD is categorised as a personality disorder, and ADHD is typically considered a neurodevelopmental disorder. However, this distinction doesn’t mean they can’t coexist. Both conditions can have overlapping neurobiological factors, particularly in areas of brain function related to impulse control, emotional regulation, and attention.
For instance, research shows that both individuals with BPD and those with ADHD may experience dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions like decision-making, impulse control, and managing emotions. Thus, while the conditions are different in terms of diagnosis, the brain areas affected may have overlapping vulnerabilities that contribute to similar symptoms, like impulsivity and emotional instability.
Myth 4: "Having ADHD means you won’t have emotional instability, and having BPD means you won’t be inattentive."
Fact: Emotional instability and inattention can be present in both conditions.
While BPD is typically characterised by intense emotional dysregulation and mood swings, and ADHD is primarily associated with inattention and restlessness, it’s important to recognise that both conditions can have emotional instability and difficulty with attention.
ADHD: Emotional dysregulation in ADHD often manifests as irritability or frustration when tasks feel overwhelming or when someone becomes distracted. Inattention can contribute to disorganisation and forgetfulness, which may cause emotional responses, like anxiety or shame.
BPD: The emotional instability in BPD is more intense and episodic, often tied to fears of abandonment or interpersonal conflict. But it’s still emotional instability, and the intense reactions can lead to moments of distractibility or disorganisation when overwhelmed.
The overlap of these emotional and attentional struggles can make it difficult to determine whether someone’s symptoms are more closely related to BPD or ADHD—or both.
Myth 5: "Treating one will automatically treat the other."
Fact: Each disorder requires targeted treatment, even if they co-occur.
One of the misconceptions is that treating one disorder, like ADHD, will automatically help alleviate symptoms of BPD, or vice versa. However, this is not always the case. Although some medications used to treat ADHD (like stimulants) might help with concentration, they do not address the emotional instability or interpersonal difficulties that are central to BPD. Similarly, treatments like Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for BPD might improve emotional regulation but won’t necessarily address the inattention or impulsivity that are hallmarks of ADHD.
Therefore, it’s crucial for individuals diagnosed with both disorders to receive a treatment plan that targets each condition separately, while considering how the two interact. This might include a combination of medication for ADHD and therapy (like DBT or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) for BPD, with a focus on addressing both the emotional and attentional challenges.
Myth 6: "ADHD symptoms are just part of the emotional instability in BPD."
Fact: ADHD symptoms can stand alone and shouldn’t be dismissed.
Some people might dismiss the symptoms of ADHD in individuals with BPD, attributing them solely to the emotional instability inherent in BPD. However, ADHD is a distinct disorder with its own set of diagnostic criteria. When ADHD is overlooked, women might continue to struggle with inattention, disorganisation, and forgetfulness, which can be incredibly frustrating and impact their day-to-day life.
It’s important to remember that ADHD is more than just “inattention” or “distraction.” Women with ADHD might experience chronic difficulties with time management, task prioritisation, and follow-through—issues that are separate from the emotional volatility of BPD.
Conclusion: Embracing the Complexity
The myths around having both Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are based on misunderstandings of how complex these disorders can be, especially in women. While both conditions share certain symptoms, they are distinct and can co-occur in the same individual.
The truth is that you can have both, and recognising this reality is essential for receiving an accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan. By busting these myths, we can help more people understand their mental health better and seek the help they need to manage both conditions effectively.
If you suspect that you or someone you know may be dealing with both BPD and ADHD, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional who can help provide clarity and develop a treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs. Managing both disorders can be challenging, but with the right support, it’s entirely possible to lead a fulfilling, balanced life.
