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How can adult autism be differentiated from borderline personality disorder (BPD), besides impulsivity?

Dra. Elena Huerta Ramos
Dr. Elena Huerta Ramos
Clinical neuropsychologist and postdoctoral researcher
Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu

It is clearly documented that there is some overlap in symptoms between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adults, particularly more so in women. However, aside from impulsivity, there are significant core differences. Both conditions can present with difficulties in social relationships, but the origins of these difficulties differ. Intense interests and hypersensitivities are not typically present in BPD.

Raquel Montllor Linares
Raquel Montllor Linares
Mental health activist

Both autism and borderline personality disorder can have overlapping symptoms , which can make it difficult to differentiate between them. However, there are some key differences that can help distinguish between them.

Generally speaking, though with examples... people with autism often have difficulty understanding and responding appropriately to social and emotional cues, while people with BPD may have seemingly normal social skills but struggle to establish stable and healthy relationships. Regarding restricted interests, people with autism tend to have narrow interests and obsessions with specific topics, while people with BPD may have shifting interests and a constant search for intense emotions. As for repetitive behaviors, people with autism may exhibit repetitive and rigid behaviors, while people with BPD may exhibit impulsive and reckless behaviors. But every person is unique. Hence the importance of a proper diagnosis by specialized teams.

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Dra. Elena Huerta Ramos
Dr. Elena Huerta Ramos
Clinical neuropsychologist and postdoctoral researcher
Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu
Raquel Montllor Linares
Raquel Montllor Linares
Mental health activist