How do you decipher whether or not you have ADHD’s Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) or Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

[Newbie1970]

How do you decipher whether or not you have ADHD’s Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) or Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) when both diagnoses are directly related to hypersensitivity from rejection? I don’t know which one I have.

[lovelylight]

Hi,

I don't have the definitive answer to your question but my understanding is that borderline personality disorder comes about as a result of childhood trauma, whereas ADHD (and resulting RSD) is genetic and neurological in nature. So in the simplest terms possible, someone with ADHD was born that way, and someone with BPD became that way through experiences as a child

Proper diagnosis takes time, skill, and a thorough patient history. An individual person might not have a complete and accurate perspective of themselves and their history, in order to make that judgement. Working with a therapist or psychologist who specializes in ADHD and also has knowledge of other disorders would be most useful.

Here's one article about emotional regulation and ADHD:

healthunlocked.com/adult-ad...

I also found a self test for RSD at additude.com which was really enlightening.

ADHD gives us a tough road to follow, but not an impassable one! I wish you well.

[Electrofreak]

It's possible to have both. And I'd argue that experiencing RSD for long enough could lead to the kind of sensitivity seen in BPD. Another way of framing this question is can untreated adhd contribute to the development of trauma, and I'd say yes. To me BPD is a diagnosis that develops from untreated PTSD/Trauma. hope that's helpful.

[Hidden]

I have ADHD with extreme RSD. I was misdiagnosed with Cyclothymia. Check out this article and see if it helps describe the difference for you.

additudemag.com/emotional-h...

Feel free to message me if you have specific questions; I am an open book!