{"id":4556,"date":"2017-08-25T15:28:39","date_gmt":"2017-08-25T21:28:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optimumperformanceinstitute.com\/?page_id=4556"},"modified":"2024-03-29T11:26:04","modified_gmt":"2024-03-29T17:26:04","slug":"difference-between-bpd-and-bipolar-disorder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.optimumperformanceinstitute.com\/bpd-treatment\/difference-between-bpd-and-bipolar-disorder\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s The Difference Between Borderline Personality Disorder And Bipolar Disorder?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Borderline personality disorder (BPD)<\/a> is commonly confused with bipolar disorder<\/a>. Although they do share some similarities, they are very different disorders. BPD is considered an Axis II diagnosis as a personality disorder while bipolar disorder is considered a clinical syndrome, therefore classifying it as Axis I. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The confusion may also partly be due to the fact that these disorders can exist in the same person simultaneously which is called a comorbid condition. Bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder are comorbid somewhere between 15 and 20 percent of the time, according to Current Psychiatry<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is Borderline Personality Disorder?<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
What is Bipolar Disorder?<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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CAUSES<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Much like the symptoms<\/a> of each mental disorder, some of them are both overlaps and differences in causes. Exactly what causes borderline personality disorder is not clearly defined, but there is a general consensus that it is a combination of genetics and environmental influences. Environmental contributors to the mental illness include post-traumatic stress disorder from childhood events, such as emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Abandonment, loss, and neglect can also be predictors of BPD. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The causes of bipolar disorder have similarities, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, loss, or other trauma. Hormonal imbalances and mental stress can also be causes of bipolar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mood Swing Variations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Both mental health disorders are characterized by symptoms of intense mood swings and mood instability; however, the cycles are different. People with bipolar disorder swing from intense highs (mania) to extreme lows (depression) usually in a cycle. These cycles of mania and depression can differ from person to person in frequency but can last days, weeks or even years. A person may have periods of mania often followed by a crash into depression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People with BPD may also have mood swings<\/a>, but they are usually not as sustained or concrete as those of bipolar disorder. The highs and lows of BPD may swing between desperation, anxiety and intense anger. People with BPD experience frequent emotional instability and a feeling of emptiness. These cycles are largely dependent on the world around them and can be triggered by a fear of abandonment. The cycles are usually more frequent than those associated with bipolar disorder as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sufferers of BPD are prone to bouts of impulsivity and aggression and may also display more anxiety and anger than the sadness and depression<\/a> characteristic of a bipolar low. Those diagnosed with BPD have trouble with relationships<\/a>, an unstable self-image, and engage in risky or impulsive behavior. Due to this low impulse control, it is common for a person struggling with BPD to engage in self-destructive behavior (also known as self-injurious behavior or self-mutilating behavior). Additionally, over 50% of those with BPD also suffer from a substance abuse disorder. Those suffering from bipolar disorder may have longer periods that are seemingly symptom-free but also suffer from shifts in energy and activity levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bipolar and borderline are commonly diagnosed in early adulthood. Both will have a risk of suicidal behaviors and tendencies toward self-harm, although possibly for different reasons. A sufferer of bipolar disorder may attempt suicide due to feelings of hopelessness in a depressive state, whereas people with BPD may do so out of their inability to tolerate feelings of distress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment Differences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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“Bipolar disorder<\/strong> is considered a lifelong illness that requires vigilant treatment. Borderline personality disorder<\/strong> is usually treated with psychotherapy, particularly dialectical behavior therapy, “<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

It is important to receive the proper mental health diagnosis in order to receive the right care and treatment. Another important difference between bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder is found in their separate treatment processes<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bipolar disorder is considered a lifelong illness that requires vigilant treatment. Treatment often includes medications to manage symptoms, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n