Examining the relationship between borderline personality traits and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in young adults

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have been the subject of numerous studies exploring their similarities and differences, particularly in individuals diagnosed with either condition or where the two disorders co-occur. The primary aim of this thesis is to examine the relationship between borderline personality traits and ADHD symptoms in young adults. In this study, the "Personal Information Form," developed by the researchers to collect sociodemographic data, was used alongside the "Borderline Personality Inventory (BPI)" to measure borderline personality traits and the "Adult ADHD Self- Report Scale (ASRS)" to assess ADHD symptoms. The study included 384 volunteers (287 females and 97 males) aged between 18-35 who completed the scales online. The participants had a mean age of 25.73 (±3.73). The findings revealed a significant relationship between borderline personality traits and ADHD symptom levels in young adults. Participants with high BPI scores showed significantly higher ASRS total, Hyperactivity/Impulsivity, and Inattention scores compared to those with low BPI scores. Participants who reported having a psychiatric diagnosis or receiving psychological support scored significantly higher on both the BPI and ASRS than those who reported having no psychiatric diagnosis or psychological support. Married individuals and those with medium to high economic status had significantly lower BPI and ASRS scores compared to unmarried individuals and those with low economic status. A low but significant negative correlation was found between age and BPI scores. Female participants scored higher than male participants on ASRS total and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity subscales. In conclusion, a significant relationship between borderline personality traits and ADHD symptoms was identified. The increase in the symptoms of both disorders appears to impact individuals' marital and economic status. Further large- sample and prospective studies are needed to explore the relationship between these two disorders.