Bipolar Disorder or Borderline Personality Disorder?

Bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder (BPD) have some similar symptoms but are two completely different conditions with different approaches to treatment.

Both bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder involve impulsive behavior and mood swings but there are some distinguishing characteristics that set them apart from one another.

 

Characteristics of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic depression or manic-depressive illness) is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs and lows.

Highs = Mania or hypomania
Lows = Depression

The Cause of Bipolar Disorder

The true cause of bipolar disorder is unknown but scientists suspect it is caused by physical changes in the brain, genetics, and environment. It can also be triggered by substance abuse or a major life event such as trauma.

Children are more likely to develop bipolar disorder if one of their parents or siblings have previously been diagnosed.

 

The Difference Between Bipolar I and Bipolar II

● Bipolar I- is defined by manic episodes that can last for a week or more at a time, or manic symptoms that are so severe that the individual needs immediate hospital care. It can be associated with psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. Individuals with bipolar I, may engage in harmful behaviors, such as spending an excessive amount of money on things they don’t need, having unsafe sex with multiple partners, or pursuing unrealistic plans.

● Bipolar II- is similar to bipolar I, in that moods cycle between high and low over time. However, the “up” moods never reach full-blown mania. These less-intense elevated moods are called hypomanic episodes and last for only a couple days. Individuals with bipolar II tend to suffer more from depressive symptoms than hypomanic symptoms.

 

Characteristics of Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder is similar to bipolar disorder when it comes to impulsive behavior and mood swings, but BPD is different because it is characterized by patterns of unstable relationships. Individuals with borderline personality disorder are very sensitive and struggle with managing their emotions. This in turn can lead to ineffective coping mechanisms, such as self-harm.

Someone with BPD often has an intense fear of abandonment, leading to unstable relationships or staying in a relationship that is not working.

 

Mood Disorders Versus Personality Disorders

The main difference between bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder is that bipolar disorder is a mood disorder whereas BPD is a personality disorder.

Mood Disorder: a category of disorders distinguished by serious changes in mood

Personality Disorder: characterized by ways of thinking, feeling and behaving that are different from social expectations thus leading to problems functioning or distress.

 

Diagnosing Bipolar and Borderline Personality Disorder

These conditions are difficult to diagnose, which often leads to misdiagnosis. Both bipolar and borderline personality disorder require medical and psychological exams to rule out other possible issues.

In order to diagnose bipolar disorder, an individual has to undergo a thorough interview and evaluation, they might even be asked to keep a daily record of their mood, energy level, and sleep patterns.

Whereas BPD is diagnosed after a comprehensive clinical interview with the patient as well as any previous providers and possibly interviews with family and friends.

 

Treatment of Bipolar and Borderline Personality Disorder

Bipolar disorder is treated using medication such as mood stabilizers (Lithium, Tegretol, Lamictal, Depakote) or antipsychotics (Haldol, Loxapine, Thorazine). These medications are typically combined with psychotherapy.

Borderline personality disorder is primarily treated with psychotherapy along with medications that help treat anxiety and depression, which commonly accompany BPD. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has also been an effective treatment for BPD, and it combines both individual therapy and group therapy.

Treatment for both disorders can take time, but it is possible to improve your ability to function and learn so that you can live a rewarding life.

 

 

This post was written by Hana Hollenbeck, a psychology major at SUNY Cortland, and published by Convenient Counseling Services.

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