Altered Social Processing as a Potential Mechanism of BPD Risk in Girls with ADHD: A Call for Multi-Method Developmental Research.

Abstract

Childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms prospectively predict the development of borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms in adolescence and adulthood; adult women with BPD, in particular, often retrospectively report childhood ADHD symptoms. However, little is known about specific developmental pathways and mechanisms that contribute to this sequential comorbidity. Herein we outline a call for multi-method developmental research examining altered social processing as a potential mechanism underlying risk for BPD in girls with ADHD. We review relevant developmental psychopathology theory, describe recent empirical work, and outline steps for future work with the goal of promoting continued research focused on reducing the personal and societal burden associated with ADHD and BPD.