Do you know that bipolar disorder vs. borderline personality disorder mood swings look interchangeable?...
Do you know that bipolar disorder vs. borderline personality disorder mood swings look interchangeable?Because many mental health disorders share some of the same characteristics, misdiagnosis is common. Unfortunately, some people do not tell their therapist everything that is going on, and what they believe is unimportant information is crucial for a diagnosis.Bipolar disorder (BD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) are two disorders that are frequently misdiagnosed or co-occur. Perhaps you've been diagnosed with one of these conditions, but your symptoms still bother you?Let's take a closer look at the two conditions and compare and contrast their differences and similarities so you can better understand them.
A borderline personality disorder is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, as one of the cluster B disorders characterized by thinking and behavioral differences. One of the most noticeable characteristics of BPD is their extreme fear of abandonment. If the fear is severe enough, they may imagine it in their minds.Other signs and symptoms of BPD include:
The exact cause of BPD is unknown. However, there are some common occurrences within the population of people who suffer from it.A substance use disorder is often present in the parents of someone with BPD. The person has been abused sexually, emotionally, or physically. Actual parental neglect by one or both parents causes the fear of abandonment.Now that we know more about BPD let's dive into BD.
Bipolar disorder is prevalent in the United States, with an estimated 4.4 percent of adults in the country suffering from it at some point in their lives.A person with bipolar disorder will experience cycles of tremendous depressive and intense manic states.The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, states that BD disorder affects someone's energy and mood levels. Shifts can last longer than someone with BPD and could last months.For example, someone with BD could spend the entire day in bed, only getting out to shower and miss months of school or work. They cannot get out of bed because they lack the necessary energy. After a few months, they may be cleaning the entire house, sleeping very little, and attempting to work two jobs.Some symptoms of a BD manic episode include:
Symptoms of a BD depressed episode include:
Now that bipolar disorder vs. borderline personality disorder is apparent, read on to learn about some of the similarities and differences.
There are many bipolar disorder vs. borderline personality disorder symptoms that are similar.
Some similar symptoms include:
There are some critical differences between bipolar disorder vs. borderline personality disorder. One significant difference is the length of the mood swing cycle.Someone with BP will have months of depression followed by periods of mania, whereas someone with BPS can rapidly change their mood four times in one week.Another distinction is that someone with BD may experience periods of stable mood. In contrast, someone with BPD will experience erratic mood swings. The person with BD may live an everyday life between manic and depressive episodes. Still, the person with BPD does not have the same level of mood stability. A mood swing in individuals with BPD is usually caused by stress or a change in an emotional state. The mood swings of people with bipolar disorder are more unpredictable.
Fortunately, there are treatment options for both BD and BPD.
Treatment can include:
BD is commonly treated with medications such as mood stabilizers, and people live and usually function as a result. In addition, psychotherapy, such as CBT and DBT, is frequently used to treat BPD.CBT is a method of treatment that focuses on altering one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to reduce symptoms. DBT is a cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on improving coping skills and learning how to regulate emotions properly. You will, for example, learn how to communicate with your loved ones in a healthy manner.Another option for BPD is mentalization-based therapy (MBT). A therapist will help you learn to focus on how you think.Professionals may prescribe medication for severe symptoms like anxiety, but psychotherapy is the best defense against BPD.It is often wise to avoid thinking too far ahead and instead focus on the present moment. As a result, someone with BPD or BD may benefit from meditation and yoga.If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of either condition, you should seek treatment from a therapist.
It is not uncommon for someone to be diagnosed with both BPD and BD.Some other co-occurring disorders that can occur alongside either of these include:
Both disorders can be life-long and may require ongoing treatment, but you can live a happy life with proper treatment.Effective treatment for bipolar disorder vs. borderline personality disorder is possible with patience and honesty.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/borderline-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20370237
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.
