Explore the similarities & differences in the symptoms of Bipolar & BPD

Understanding a person’s mental health has always been a difficult maze to traverse even for experts. There’s no real yardstick to measure and diagnose psychological conditions, unlike physiological conditions. Several mental health disorders show similar symptoms and understandably, it is tough to identify the real problem. In this article, we’ll be comparing Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder. We’ll take an insightful look into each, their similarities and obvious differences.

Symptoms of mental health are sometimes unclear and similar. Both disorders are known to feature extreme mood swings and mood instability, but people suffering from either condition possess varying character traits. Here, we’ll be taking a look at what they are and what they are not.

Bipolar Disorder

This condition is also known as manic depression. The characteristic feature of a bipolar individual is extreme swings in mood and energy level.

There will be periods in which the individual will experience a period of extremely high energy, euphoria, and feelings of grandiosity. And there will be periods where the symptoms would include extreme sadness, a period of low energy and feelings of hopelessness.

The periods of high energy are often followed by extreme mood swings. Oftentimes, it’s hard to understand all of the actions of a bipolar person.

During the mania, a bipolar person may get involved in high-risk activities. Their thoughts race and they can do without sleep for long periods. In contrast to this, they also have a depressive stage with extreme feelings of fatigue, sadness, and hopelessness. There have been many cases during which bipolar disorder has been diagnosed as clinical depression.

Borderline Personality Disorder

The similarity between bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder exists in the erratic and impulsive behaviour coupled with mood swings.

However, BPD is known for a pattern of unstable relationships. Individuals suffering from this condition are known to have a lot of problems in managing their emotions. When stressed, they often turn to some ineffective coping mechanism including self-harm.

Take note that anyone with a borderline personality disorder will suffer from a fear of abandonment, which leads to them form toxic relationships. When sad or disappointed, they experience intense emotional reactions and may be a danger to themselves. They are often never satisfied with themselves and try to harm themselves when emotionally down.

Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder – How are they similar?

As mentioned earlier, it’s hard to distinguish between Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder. Both are associated with extreme mood shifts and mood instability.

Bipolar people are known to have mood swings from depression to mania. This means they will have periods of extreme feelings of loneliness and sadness followed by periods of elation, increased activity and lesser need for sleep. There are also cases of hypomania. It’s common to find people suffering from bipolar disorder and BPD to switch from feeling fine right now and become distressed in a matter of minutes. It’s also common to find people who suffer from both conditions to act impulsively and at extremes of their emotions.

Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder – How are they different?

Type of Condition

Now, it’s undeniable to think that there are no differences between bipolar disorder and BPD. The first thing to note is that bipolar disorder is a mood disorder while BPD is a personality disorder. Technically, these are two different concepts with different characteristic features. Mood disorders are known to be mental health conditions in which the individuals experience extreme changes in mood. Examples of these types of conditions also include depression.

However, personality disorders are known to affect the individual’s way of thinking and behaviour under certain scenarios. People with personality disorders are known to have problems relating to people, even family and friends. Anyone suffering from BPD will have a different perception of situations and scenarios. They struggle with managing their emotions. Although people suffering from both conditions are known to suffer mood swings, the overall behaviour of the individuals will be different. People with BPD will behave in patterns that are different from social expectations and will hardly form any lasting relationships with anyone. Borderline Personality Disorder is characterised by unstable relationship patterns.

Diagnosis

Both conditions are diagnosed differently. However, it isn’t uncommon to misdiagnose these two conditions. For a bipolar disorder diagnosis, there will be a need for an interview and psychological evaluation. A bipolar diagnosis is given when the person has been determined to have at least one manic episode, as mania is the cardinal symptom for a bipolar diagnosis. Determining the occurrence of BPD is much more complex than that. It may require that the person-in-question undergoes a psychological evaluation includes a series of questionnaires that can help in identifying the condition.

A final result is only reached when a comprehensive clinical interview has been done for the patient including possible interviews with family and friends of the patient.

Treatment

The approaches to the treatment of both disorders couldn’t be more different. Bipolar disorder is treated using medications. These medications include mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. These medications are at times accompanied by psychotherapy.

Borderline Personality Disorder is primarily treated with psychotherapy. Medications may be offered to treat the accompanying symptoms such as anxiety and depression. The medications may also be used to deal with impulsive behaviour or cravings. Another impressive treatment technique for BPD is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). This will include group and individual therapy. Other therapy procedures have been developed to help people control themselves from self-harm. However, there are no medications designed to treat BPD. In severe cases of BPD during which the person’s safety is at risk, hospitalization is indicated.

It is essential to be aware of one’s mental health and avoid any misdiagnosis. Both conditions are not hard to come across. It is important to identify the distinguishing features of each of them to determine the right steps to take. An experienced psychologist can help in arriving at the correct diagnosis. When treating either of these conditions, time is an important factor – the sooner the condition is diagnosed, the easier will be in managing the disorder. Any treatment will be for a specific duration and
sometimes the results are uncertain. Hence it is critical to be compliant and adhere to the treatment course.

If there is a suspicion of either of these conditions, speak to a professional.

Psychologists at the Centre specialised in Bipolar Disorders & Borderline Personality Disorders

Lara Ryan

Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychologist

I am a registered psychologist that works with individuals of all ages to really get to the heart of what it is they want and need to live a full life.

Virginia Henningsen

Registered Psychologist

I assist individuals in developing skills to manage their lives, gain enjoyment from their life, and lift and bolster their general feeling of well-being.

Lyn O’Grady

Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychologist

As a Registered Community Psychologist, I have worked with parents in community settings for approximately 10 years as well as with children and young people in school settings for 10 years.

Susanne Goldie

Psychologist

I work with a wide range of individuals in a non-judgemental, holistic way to understand each person’s unique circumstances and support them in achieving their goals. I work with people of all ages.

Hannah Lethbridge

Registered Psychologist

I provide a warm environment for clients to express their thoughts, feelings, and struggles in a safe way. My clients value the collaborative approach I take when we work towards their therapeutic goals.

Geoff Newbegin

Counselling Psychologist & Psychotherapist

I am an experienced counsellor and psychologist with over 15 years of experience, which includes a wide range of clinical experience.

Lucas Silva-Myles

Registered Psychologist

My therapeutic approach is firstly to hear your story and understand what you are going through without judgement.

Hannah Kroussoratsky

Counsellor

Gentle, caring and encouraging, my desire is to truly hear your story and create a safe space for you to grow and flourish. I have a genuine commitment to your whole self – body, mind, heart and spirit – and my integrated therapeutic approach allows for your holistic care and transformation.

If you are looking for help, whether for yourself or a loved one, our psychologists can assist in exploring underlying issues through therapy. Please visit our practitioners’ page to find out more, or call (03) 9820-5577 for an appointment or to make enquiries.