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Mental Health HomepageConditions LibraryConditions CategoryConditions CategoryBorderline Personality Disorder vs. Bipolar Disorder
Table of Contents:OverviewWhat Are the Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder?What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?Treatment Options for Borderline Personality Disorder vs. Bipolar DisorderHow to Get Help for BPD or Bipolar Disorder
Borderline Personality DisorderRead Time: 8 Minutes
Published On: September 22, 2021
Reviewed On: September 22, 2021
Updated On: October 15, 2024
OverviewUpdated on 5/16/2022Borderline personality disorder vs. bipolar disorder — what’s the difference? What are the symptoms? What options are available for treatment? It can all be confusing — and even a bit overwhelming when you first start to look at these two disorders. Even though there are several similar symptoms between them, there are some distinct differences to be aware of and understand.At a very high level,borderline personality disorder(BPD) is a type of mood disorder that causes a cycle of varying behaviors, mood changes, and self-image concerns.Bipolar disorderis more common than BPD, and it causes changes in energy, mood, thoughts, and activity levels. These shifts can last anywhere from a number of days, up to months at a time.In this article, we’ll dive into these two mental health conditions further so you can better understand the differences and similarities.
Overview
Updated on 5/16/2022
Borderline personality disorder vs. bipolar disorder — what’s the difference? What are the symptoms? What options are available for treatment? It can all be confusing — and even a bit overwhelming when you first start to look at these two disorders. Even though there are several similar symptoms between them, there are some distinct differences to be aware of and understand.
At a very high level,borderline personality disorder(BPD) is a type of mood disorder that causes a cycle of varying behaviors, mood changes, and self-image concerns.Bipolar disorderis more common than BPD, and it causes changes in energy, mood, thoughts, and activity levels. These shifts can last anywhere from a number of days, up to months at a time.
In this article, we’ll dive into these two mental health conditions further so you can better understand the differences and similarities.
What Are the Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder?
The overarching symptoms of borderline personality disorder include unpredictable behaviors, moods, and a distorted self-image. Symptoms such as these often result in difficulty maintaining relationships and a tendency for impulsivity.
There’s a long list of BPD vs. bipolar symptoms that are pretty similar, so it’s important to understand the ones that are unique to BPD. It’s equally important to keep in mind that not everyone with BPD will have the same symptoms, or even the same severity of symptoms, at any given time.
Symptoms of BPD can include some or all of the following:
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What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
Thesymptoms of bipolar disordercan also vary. So, you might be wondering how to know if you are bipolar. The disorder is largely defined as one that has fluctuating periods of mania (where you feel extreme highs) and depression (where your mood can shift to deep lows). Not everyone will experience depression, however. Thetype of bipolar diagnosis(bipolar I or bipolar II) can also impact the type and severity of episodes.
Other symptoms can depend on whether a mood change is a manic or depressive episode.
During a manic episode, manic symptoms of bipolar disorder can include:
During a depressive episode, depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder can include:
With all of these symptoms, you may be wondering how to identify bipolar disorder from depression as well. Learn more about the keydifferences between bipolar disorder vs depression.
Expert Insight
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD.), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)Meaghan Rice
Treatment Options for Borderline Personality Disorder vs. Bipolar DisorderFinding the right, effective treatment plan for borderline personality vs bipolar disorder often takes both patience and time.For BPD, medication isn’t the go-to treatment. Unfortunately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to approve any drugs to treat borderline personality disorder and the benefits of trialed medications are largely unclear. However, there are a number of options to help manage some of thesymptomsthose with BPD might be experiencing.For bipolar disorder, typically a combination of lifestyle recommendations, medications, and therapy from a licensed mental health provider is a suggested form of treatment.Treatment for borderline personality disorderBPD can be treated using therapy and some types of medications for specific symptoms, like anxiety and depression. Psychotherapy is commonly suggested. Many people find that group therapy or one-on-one talk therapy is particularly effective. Generally, there are two forms of therapy often suggested for treating BPD.Cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT)— CBT is often helpful in helping someone recognize behaviors and beliefs that create their perception of the world. It can also helpchangesome of those behaviors and beliefs.Many people credit CBT with helping them learn how to manage their anxiety and reduce some of the mood-related symptoms (like anxiety and an inclination for self-harm) that are associated with BPD.Dialectical behavior therapy(DBT)— DBT is a form of therapy designed specifically for people who have a borderline personality disorder. The concept includes a focus on acceptance and being aware of your existing emotional state and the environment you’re in at any given moment. Like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy can help those with BPD overcome an urge for self-harm and improve relationships while controlling emotions.
Treatment Options for Borderline Personality Disorder vs. Bipolar Disorder
Finding the right, effective treatment plan for borderline personality vs bipolar disorder often takes both patience and time.
For BPD, medication isn’t the go-to treatment. Unfortunately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to approve any drugs to treat borderline personality disorder and the benefits of trialed medications are largely unclear. However, there are a number of options to help manage some of thesymptomsthose with BPD might be experiencing.
For bipolar disorder, typically a combination of lifestyle recommendations, medications, and therapy from a licensed mental health provider is a suggested form of treatment.
Treatment for borderline personality disorder
BPD can be treated using therapy and some types of medications for specific symptoms, like anxiety and depression. Psychotherapy is commonly suggested. Many people find that group therapy or one-on-one talk therapy is particularly effective. Generally, there are two forms of therapy often suggested for treating BPD.
Many people credit CBT with helping them learn how to manage their anxiety and reduce some of the mood-related symptoms (like anxiety and an inclination for self-harm) that are associated with BPD.
Treatment for bipolar disorderTreatment for bipolar disorder often includes a combination of medication, therapy and specific lifestyle changes.Psychotherapy— The right form of therapy (like CBT) can help you learn how to manage bipolar disorder. Therapy has also proven effective in helping treat other symptoms associated with bipolar disorder like substance abuse, stress, and anxiety.Medication— Certain mood stabilizers can be beneficial during both manic and depressive episodes. Antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and others might be options.Self-management— Learning to recognize the behaviors and early signs of the highs and lows associated with bipolar disorder is critical. It can help you better manage bouts of mania or depression. If you feel yourself starting to exhibit either side of the disorder, you should reach out to your healthcare provider or therapist as soon as possible. Together, you can discuss the best possible path forward, whether it be a change in medication, therapy, or both.Additional approaches— Self-care is critical for everyone. Eating and sleeping well, and taking care of yourself physically and exercising can help enhance aspects of your mental health and well-being.
Treatment for bipolar disorder
Treatment for bipolar disorder often includes a combination of medication, therapy and specific lifestyle changes.
How to Get Help for BPD or Bipolar Disorder
Getting help so you can understand borderline personality disorder vs. bipolar disorder is possible. You can reach out to friends and family for support, and find a licensed therapist who can treat either disorder. Your healthcare provider and therapist can help you develop anonline bipolar treatmentplan dedicated to helping you feel better and live the fullest life possible.
See ReferencesBipolar DisorderNAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. Published 2017. Accessed August 15, 2021.Do I have borderline or bipolar?Mental Health America. Published 2020. Accessed August 15, 2021.The Limits between Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder: A Review of the EvidenceSanches, Marsal. Diseases (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 7,3 49. 5 Jul. 2019, doi:10.3390/diseases7030049. Accessed August 15, 2021.
See References
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. Published 2017. Accessed August 15, 2021.
Mental Health America. Published 2020. Accessed August 15, 2021.
Sanches, Marsal. Diseases (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 7,3 49. 5 Jul. 2019, doi:10.3390/diseases7030049. Accessed August 15, 2021.
Meaghan RiceMeaghan Rice is a mental health consultant specializing in professionals who are looking to close the gap between where they are and where they envision themselves being. With a decade of experience in the mental health field, working in a variety of different capacities, Dr. Rice has found her niche amidst the therapist, consultant, and trainer roles.
Meaghan Rice is a mental health consultant specializing in professionals who are looking to close the gap between where they are and where they envision themselves being. With a decade of experience in the mental health field, working in a variety of different capacities, Dr. Rice has found her niche amidst the therapist, consultant, and trainer roles.
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