ADHD Symptoms, Peer Problems, and Emotion Dysregulation as Longitudinal and Concurrent Predictors of Adolescent Borderline Personality Features

Abstract

Objective: ADHD and borderline personality (BP) disorder are highly comorbid and characterized by emotion dysregulation and peer problems. However, limited research has examined social and emotional predictors of BP features in samples that include youth with ADHD. Method: Using a sample of 124 youth with and without ADHD (52% female), ADHD symptoms, peer problems, and emotion dysregulation were assessed in childhood (8–13 years) and in adolescence, along with BP features (13–18 years). Results: In addition to the significant effect of ADHD symptoms, teacher-rated child peer victimization and adolescent-reported peer victimization, poorer close friendships, and emotion dysregulation domains significantly predicted adolescent BP features. Greater parent-rated child and adolescent emotion dysregulation domains also significantly predicted adolescent BP features, with ADHD symptoms no longer significant. Conclusion: Even for youth with ADHD, peer and emotional vulnerabilities in childhood and adolescence may serve as important markers of risk for adolescent BP features.