- Is There A Link With BPD, ADD, Temporal Lobe Epilepsy And Thyroid Problems?
QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
A close friend recently went to see a psychiatrist as she was suffering from episodic memory lapses, emotional outbursts, breathing difficulties etc. She was told that she could be suffering from temporal lobe epilepsy, and told to do an EEG to confirm.
Before my friend went to see the psychiatrist, I had thought that she was suffering from some form of personality disorder, e.g. BPD or ADD, because she would, on occasions, act as though she were a completely different person – for example, she can’t remember me. She was also very hyperactive, and some years back, was diagnosed with hyper-thyroid, although her condition (according to a recent blood-test) has since stabilized. My question is whether there is a common link to all of these symptoms/diagnosis – thyroid, ADD, BPD and temporal lobe epilepsy. If so, what exactly could be the problem?
Thanks.
ANSWER:
There is a strong link. I’ve found approximately a 50/50 link with attention deficit disorder and the BPD. Thyroid problems are common in those with the BPD. EEG’s may or may not be abnormal, since the BPD is likely a form of epilepsy in the deep structures of the brain that cannot be detected by routing EEG’s. If the seizure spreads to the temporal lobes then the EEG may be abnormal.
