Living with mental health conditions can make many aspects of life more challenging. Getting an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate treatment plan can help people manage their symptoms.
It is important to understand the symptoms of mental health conditions and what makes them unique. This information can help people get a proper diagnosis and treatment. This article will explore the difference between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and bipolar disorder. You will learn:
- The symptoms of bipolar disorder
- The symptoms of borderline personality disorder
- What are the differences between BPD and bipolar disorder
- How borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder are treated
- Where to find comprehensive mental health treatment
If you or someone you love lives with BPD, bipolar disorder, or another mental health condition, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Agape Behavioral Healthcare to explore our treatment programs. Reach out with questions, for assistance verifying insurance, or to schedule an appointment.
Bipolar Disorder: Understanding the Symptoms
Bipolar disorder is a severe mental health condition. In the past, people called bipolar disorder “manic depression”. This is because people with the condition experience extreme high and low moods.
There are three types of bipolar disorder.
Bipolar I
People with bipolar I experience manic episodes that last at least a week. During a manic episode, people exhibit:
- Significantly increased energy
- Elevated mood
- More physical behavior
- Irritability or quick shifts in mood
People with bipolar I may require stabilization in a hospital during a manic episode. People with bipolar I also experience periods of depression that last at least two weeks. During a depressive episode, people exhibit:
- Hopelessness
- Depressed mood
- Low energy
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
People may also experience rapidly changing moods, exhibiting manic symptoms and depressive symptoms in a short period.
Bipolar II
People with bipolar II have a pattern of depression and hypomanic episodes. Hypomanic episodes feature less intense symptoms of mania and typically do not require hospitalization.
Cyclothymic disorder
Cyclothymic disorder causes less intense highs and lows than bipolar I or II. People may experience highs and lows that do not meet the criteria for depression or mania.
Medications or therapies can help people manage bipolar disorder, but it cannot be cured. People with bipolar disorder must manage this condition for life.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Understanding the Symptoms
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition. It is one of ten known personality disorders. People with borderline personality disorder experience intense emotions and may have difficulty regulating them.
Some symptoms of borderline personality disorder include:
- Intense mood swings
- A rapidly changing, unstable self-image
- Quickly changing interests
- Shifting values
- Feelings of dissociation, as though they are seeing their life from outside their body
- An intense fear of abandonment
- A pattern of unstable relationships with loved ones and others
- A “black and white” way of thinking about people and situation
- Impulsive or reckless behaviors
- Chronic feelings of emptiness
- Intense anger and inappropriate angry outbursts
People with BHD may experience some or all of these symptoms. Symptoms may change over time and can vary from person to person.
The symptoms of BPD can affect people’s quality of life and functioning in many ways. They can keep people from having healthy relationships or functioning in other ways. It can also put people at increased risk of self-harm, including suicidal behaviors and substance abuse.
Bipolar Disorder vs. Borderline Personality Disorder: What are the Differences?
Borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder can both cause changing moods and intense emotions. However, there are some critical differences between these conditions.
First, BPD is a personality disorder. Bipolar disorder is not.
People with borderline personality may experience mood swings related to events that have occurred. The highs and lows of bipolar disorder are generally not connected to any external situations.
Those with bipolar disorder may have periods of relative stability. Many with bipolar disorder have typical emotional responses when they are not in a period of depression or mania. Those with bipolar disorder do not typically have periods of stability.
Mental health professionals believe bipolar disorder has roots in a person’s brain functioning. They believe borderline personality disorder has a psychological basis in how people see themselves and others.
Finally, there are differences in the treatment for bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder.
What is the Difference Between Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment?
There are differences in the way mental health professionals treat BPD and bipolar disorder. Treatment for bipolar disorder involves:
- Prescription medications, including mood stabilizers or antipsychotic drugs
- Education
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy), including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Other treatments, including light therapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
People with borderline personality require treatment to manage their symptoms. Treatment for BPD includes:
- Talk therapy, including dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Prescription medications, including antidepressants and mood stabilizers, to manage some symptoms of this condition
It is important to receive an accurate diagnosis and compassionate mental health treatment. Getting the proper treatment can help people manage their symptoms and live the fullest, healthiest life possible.
Find Mental Health Treatment Now
If you or someone you love lives with a mental health condition, you are not alone. Comprehensive mental health treatment is available at Agape Behavioral Healthcare. Reach out to the intake team now to schedule an appointment, ask questions, or verify your insurance.
References:
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): What is bipolar disorder?
- JAMA Network: Diagnosis and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
- NIMH: What is borderline personality disorder?
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Borderline Personality Disorder
