Mental disorders are becoming more and more apparent with each passing year, indicating how stress levels and unhealthy behavioral patterns are increasing. Anxiety and depression are two of the most common disorders across the world, however, even these two can overlap in many patients. To deal with such disorders while trying to manage life is such a heavy and intricate job.
Key Differences Between Bipolar Disorder vs BPD
Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) are two different psychological disorders with very similar symptoms. Impulsiveness and unpredictable mood swings are common symptoms of both disorders, in addition to others. Such overlapping makes it difficult to diagnose and treat thereafter.
Let us go through Bipolar Disorder first to understand its nuances.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder falls under the category of mood disorders. It affects a person’s intensity of reacting to situations and sometimes causes extremely low mood and/or extremely energetic and cheery mood for no reason. One of the symptoms of Bipolar disorder is Mania, too.
An individual with Bipolar disorder can experience Impulsiveness, leading to substance abuse. In addition to that, a very significant lack of sleep also occurs, however, the patient doesn’t feel the impact of sleeplessness like tiredness or disinterest.
Patients with Bipolar disorder tend to have racing thoughts with an abnormal amount of energy as part of mania. A tendency to have poor judgments and plan impractical things to do also takes place.
On the other hand, when the patient is in a depressive episode, he or she might feel a severe reduction in energy and mood, absolute disinterest in likable activities, and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts also occur. Extreme amounts of worry and anxiety, in combination with irritability and restlessness, also trouble the patients.
In both disorders, Bipolar and BPD, drastic energy and emotional shifts have been noticed. However, unlike BPD, Bipolar doesn’t necessarily relate to any past trauma(s) or experiences.
Possible Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Usually, patients will need to take mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. The treatment will continue on a lifelong basis, as the disorder consistently needs to be regulated. Psychological therapy also helps patients manage their symptoms.
Borderline Personality Disorder
As the name suggests, it’s a personality disorder. BPD also causes instability when it comes to mood, emotional states and and behavior. However, in BPD, the disturbed emotional state lasts for longer periods, and these mood swings could be triggered by life experiences and active or passive traumas.
People with borderline personality disorder struggle to have stable relationships and social lives, further making their lives difficult. Contrary to Bipolar, mania isn’t a significant part of BPD.
Apart from that, suicidal thoughts can cross a BPD patient’s mind too, just like Bipolar, and the possibility of self-harm exists. BPD patients have a very distorted image of their own identity; as they struggle with self-image, they try to go to extreme lengths to not feel abandoned or left alone.
Unlike Bipolar, past experiences and traumas do play a part here, however, those aren’t the core reasons behind the disorder itself.
People suffering from BPD tend to perceive all situations and people in a binary manner, like an ‘all or none’ mentality. Paranoia is also one of the core symptoms. Amid that, BPD causes the patients to suffer from other mental disorders like eating disorders, addictions, body image issues, and more.
Possible Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Treatment for BPD involves therapies like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) or transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP). These are expected to help a patient manage their symptoms while also enabling them to safeguard themselves from self-harming thoughts. Suicide prevention is the core aim here. Psychotherapies would also help them to manage their behavioral issues, and this way, they will have a better social life. Along with therapy, often medication is also advised.
If you or anyone you happen to know suffers from or seems to be facing any challenges related to mental health and wellness, do contact a psychiatric professional to seek help. Every effort counts.
Bipolar Disorder is largely influenced by brain chemistry and genetic factors, leading to distinct mood episodes that can last for weeks or months. BPD, on the other hand, is often linked to early life experiences and trauma, resulting in intense emotional reactions and difficulties in relationships. Understanding these differences is crucial for getting the right diagnosis and support. With the right treatment and coping strategies, individuals with both Bipolar Disorder and BPD can lead fulfilling, stable lives.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with intense mood shifts, emotional instability, or distressing thoughts, know that help is available. Reaching out to a licensed mental health professional near you is the first step toward healing. With the right support, a balanced and fulfilling life is possible.
