title: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and borderline personality disorder.
abstract: To evaluate the association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD) in adulthood, a systematic review of published follow-up data, mainly from observational studies was done. Electronic databases Medline, PsychInfo and PSYNDEXplus were searched from their earliest entries. All studies suggested significant relationships between ADHD and BPD. From a phenomenological point of view there seem to exist some similarities between these two disorders: deficits in affect regulation and impulse control, substance abuse, low self esteem and disturbed interpersonal relationship are common in both conditions. From a neuropsychological point of view dissociation in BPD might be regarded as a special form of behavioral inhibition and sustained attention comparable to ADHD. Possible therapeutic strategies of comorbid ADHD and BPD are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen - Rhine Clinics Essen - Virchowstrasse 174, 45147 Essen, Germany. eugen.davids@uni-essen.de
authors.forename: Eugen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Davids
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gastpar
mesh_terms: D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D001883:Borderline Personality Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D019370:Observation; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012727:Sex Characteristics