I was diagnosed with ADD over three years ago and have been doing pretty well on my Adderall treatment. I have talked to a few members on the forum who are BPD and some of the symptoms were kind of hitting home. I took the BPD quiz here at PC and scored a 26 (Likely)

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks

Hey YYZ,

I would think a bit more information is needed. Of course no one here can diagnose you, you would have to see a professional for that.

However, do you relate to the BPD traits in the DSM? Which ones? how many?
http://www.dsm5.org/proposedrevision...on.aspx?rid=17

I have been told by others that I have signs of ADHD, however I've always thought that it was generational (high-stim society and tendency toward instant gratification via the internet and other technologies). I've also noticed that my mind jumps around a lot and I have a hard time concentrating and focusing sometimes, but nothing that impairs functioning. I do believe that those with BPD have structural and neurological brain differences than those without. We perceive, process and store things differently...our cognition is vastly different, IMO. We also seem to have a trend of memory impairment...

That's all I can really offer. Best wishes.

BPD and a lot of other conditions have similarities, at least superficially. The motivations behind these similarities differ.

BPD and ADD similarities: irritability, affect lability, stress intolerance, poor self image, a tenuous identity, lack of direction, disorganization, impulsivity, substance abuse, low self esteem and interpersonal problems.

Chronic feelings of emptiness, fear of abandonment, chronic emotional crises and suicidal behaviors seems to differentiate ADD/ADHD from BPD, if there is no comorbidity. These features are present in "normal" people as well (from time to time), so I think it has to do with how much those features interfere with day to day living and relationships.

Another major clinical difference is the ability of a person with ADD/ADHD to form a stable relationship with their therapist.

Here is a good paper that explains the differences: http://www.springerlink.com/content/r7q47qw007h87431/

[Girl_Interrupted]

It's possible to have both, as many people with ADD have grown up to develop BPD as well. Not because they've had a traumatic childhood, but where their needs weren't met as they were younger with this difficulty, they are likely to develop BPD.

Don't forget, a lot of people with ADD alone have issues with anger/depression etc. as Didgee mentioned.

People with ADD always score high on those kind of internet quizzes. Don't pay attention to these please, and you definitely don't want to be diagnosed with BPD.
If you are doing fine on your medication, then stick with that.

Thanks for the input everyone.

The big thing is that I can honestly say I have never had a suicidal thought. My fears of abandonment are explained by ADD symptoms blowing relationships and always fearing the next relationship failure. It was the emotional emptiness that really caught my attention. I feel like I act my emotions based on what people expect. An abusive step-dad belittled me because of my being a sensitive child. At age 13 I decided to never show emotions that open me up for attack. This coping skill is still embedded today...

Thanks again everyone