Name
ADHD & Borderline Personality Disorder
Description
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a condition marked by identity disturbance, emotional dysregulation, interpersonal problems, impulsivity and self-destructive or suicidal behavior. Research has found that anywhere from 16%-38% of patients with BPD also have ADHD. There has been more empirical and clinical interest in the relationship between ADHD and BPD. Since both are widely misunderstood and have overlapping symptoms, there is much room for diagnostic confusion. Many mental health providers have little to no training in both of these conditions. This session will break down the symptoms of BPD and how to properly distinguish these from ADHD symptoms. Various clinical anecdotes will be highlighted, including cases of misdiagnosis. Reasons why ADHD can serve as a risk factor for the development of BPD will be reviewed. Treatment interventions and clinical challenges for patients with both conditions will be discussed, and the importance of identification since this comorbidity presents with higher severity. The speaker will also address the stigmatizing nature of both of these conditions and present a more self-accepting framework of understanding this complex relationship so that one can move toward more valued living.
Roberto Olivardia
Track
Adults with ADHD
Date & Time
Thursday, November 13, 2025, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM