QUESTION:

I was recently diagnosed with BPD. However, based on my research, I believe I have ADD, which runs in my family.

What are the primary differences, esp. regarding symptoms?

DR. HELLER'S ANSWER:

They are completely different and they coexist frequently. The BPD is a mood problem with chronic symptoms (inappropriate moodiness, chronic anger, emptiness, emotional pain) and stress symptoms (anxiety, depression, despair, rage) and self destructive behaviors designed to make the pain stop.

AD(H)D is a genetic trait that causes impulsivity. It's as if the area in the brain that lets you consider your thoughts before acting on them doesn't work.

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