Is BPD a type of neurodiversity

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Over time, the concept of neurodiversity has grown to includeTrusted Source others who may experience the world uniquely due to neurological differences — including those living with certain mental health conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Some have also suggested that borderline personality disorder (BPD) may also fall under the umbrella of neurodiversity. BPD is a mental health condition marked by abrupt shifts in mood, difficulty regulating emotions, dissociation, intense fears of abandonment, or a distorted and changeable sense of self.

Currently, experts don’t formally recognize BPD as a neurodivergent condition, but that could change in the future.

Research continues to delve into the neurological underpinnings in BPD.

“BPD is not yet officially classified as a neurodivergent condition, according to published research, but evidence suggests it should be considered a neurodivergent disorder,” says Jeanette Lorandini, a licensed clinical social worker in New York City and director of Suffolk DBT.

For instance, one 2022 review explored the high prevalence of overlapping symptoms, such as impulsivity and difficulties with emotions, in BPD and ADHD. ADHD is a recognized neurodivergent condition. Review authors found both conditions involved changes in the same two regions of the brain.

Neurodiversity in BPD may not be limited to neurological function, either. In a 2019 review, experts found that people with BPD may experience changes in brain structure as well as brain function.

People with BPD may have underlying neurological differences compared with those who don’t have the condition. These differences could factor into their experiences of intense emotions and difficulty with regulating emotions, Lorandini explains.

Those differences in brain structure and function may also play a part in certain traits and behaviors common with both BPD and recognized neurodivergent conditions.
Stimming
Sensory Overload
Systemizing
Emotional Dysregulation
Differences in Executive Function


While many experts consider BPD a type of neurodiversity, others remain uncertain.

More research may help uncover how commonly these neurological features appear with BPD and offer more supporting evidence.

Experts have mapped and identified clear neurological differences for neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD and autism. But they have yet to discover the same for BPD — or come to any conclusionsTrusted Source about whether brain changes cause BPD, or BPD causes changes in the brain.

What’s more, experts knowTrusted Source that factors beyond neurology, including genetics an

Approaching BPD as a type of neurodivergence can mark a helpful first step in shifting your perspective — and that of others — when receiving a diagnosis.

There’s a lot of stigma around BPD, and facing negative attitudes from others can sometimes trigger feelings of shame or a fear of judgment — both of which can make it harder to talk about your symptoms or seek support.

Yet viewing BPD through the lens of neurodiversity could help to reframe the public’s perception of people with BPD as well as provide a more compassionate and understanding approach to treatment, Lorandini points out.

There’s no cure for BPD, but support from a mental health professional can make a major difference in your quality of life, relationships, and day-to-day function.

If you have BPD, your therapist may recommend trying dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) specifically designed to help people with BPD.

DBT focuses on helping you learn to tolerate distress and accept and regulate difficult emotions productively.

Individuals with BPD pose a significant threat to society. Individuals with BPD harm others without any remorse.

Bipolar Disorder is not a type of neurodiversity.

Bipolar Disorder is a Personality disorder.

The difference with BPD is that its generally caused by psychological trauma - not present from birth. Science has already discovered that trauma re-wires the brain, so it that sense, yes people with BPD are neurodiverse, just as those with PTSD, or other psychological disorders are. You can extend that logic to those with depression or TBI as well.

Would I say that those conditions are related to ADHD or autism? No, I don't think neurodiversity and Autism, ADHD or psychological illnesses are necessarily related beyond the fact that that they share a difference in neurology that is outside the "norm".

^ I'm talking about the "remorse" component. An individual whose mind is able to self-generate an event outside the reality cannot feel remorse for an action when they consider it justified.

I agree that since it's not present at birth it does not fit the definition of neurodiversity.

The difference with BPD is that its generally caused by psychological trauma - not present from birth. Science has already discovered that trauma re-wires the brain, so it that sense, yes people with BPD are neurodiverse, just as those with PTSD, or other psychological disorders are. You can extend that logic to those with depression or TBI as well.

My opinion is that it’s treatable with medication and classified as mental illness so no, it’s not ND.

Babies aren't born with BPD.

Individuals with BPD pose a significant threat to society. Individuals with BPD harm others without any remorse.

"Neurodiverse" makes it sound benign. They are in fact a predator conscience.

I've never heard of ASD being considered a mental illness. That would mean the person was born Neurotypical and developed typically but then started to be autistic later in life.