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Psychosis, which includes hallucinations and delusions, is a hallmark symptom of schizophrenia. People with bipolar I disorder can have psychotic symptoms during mania and/or depression, and those with bipolar II can have them during an episode of depression. So while bipolar disorder and schizophreniacanshare a set of serious symptoms, when distinguishing between the two disorders, doctors look at the differences between symptoms and also give different weight to some of the shared symptoms.
1:47Watch Now: Understanding Bipolar Disorder Triggers
1:47
Watch Now: Understanding Bipolar Disorder Triggers
Symptoms of Schizophrenia
These are the main symptoms of schizophrenia in adults:
- For most of a month, a patient must have two of these symptoms:
If only one of these symptoms is present, one of the following must also appear:
- At the same time, there’s a marked decrease in at least one important area of functioning, such as:
In addition to the month of acute symptoms, the overall disturbance must have persisted for at least six months.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
None of the symptoms of delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech and behavior have to be present for someone to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, although they may be present. In fact, the only requirement for a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder is that the patient has had onemanic episode; though depression is also common, it isn’t required for a diagnosis.And for bipolar II, the requirements are almost as simple: no manic episodes, at least onehypomanic episode, and at least onemajor depressive episode.
In bipolar disorder, another requirement is that the symptoms cause significant problems with occupational and/or social functioning. This is similar to number two under schizophrenia, but the reasons for the impairment are, in general, profoundly different.
Most Common Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Diagnostic Differences
Here’s a summary of the differences between the diagnostic requirements for the two illnesses:
Diagnostic Differences Between Schizophrenia and BipolarSchizophrenia—Required SymptomsBipolar Disorder—Required Symptoms1. Two or more of these symptoms:Required:Hallucinations or delusionsMay be required:Disorganized speech, abnormal psychomotor behavior, negative symptoms2. A significant decrease in the level of occupational, social, and/or personal functioningBipolar I:A single manic episode, which may or may not include psychosisBipolar II:At least one hypomanic episode, and at least one major depressive episode (which may or may not include psychosis)Both:Clinically significant disruption with occupational and/or social functioningSchizophrenia—DurationBipolar Disorder—DurationOverall, six months. During that time, the symptoms listed in #1 must be present most of the time for at least one month (can be less if early treatment succeeds in controlling them).Bipolar I:Manic episode lasting at least 1 week.Bipolar II:Hypomanic episode lasting at least 4 days, and depressive episode lasting at least 2 weeks.The Best Online Therapy ProgramsWe’ve tried, tested and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain.
- Two or more of these symptoms:
Required:Hallucinations or delusions
May be required:Disorganized speech, abnormal psychomotor behavior, negative symptoms
Bipolar I:A single manic episode, which may or may not include psychosis
Bipolar II:At least one hypomanic episode, and at least one major depressive episode (which may or may not include psychosis)
Both:Clinically significant disruption with occupational and/or social functioning
Bipolar I:Manic episode lasting at least 1 week.
Bipolar II:Hypomanic episode lasting at least 4 days, and depressive episode lasting at least 2 weeks.
The Best Online Therapy ProgramsWe’ve tried, tested and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain.
2 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Schizophrenia.National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Bipolar Disorder.
2 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Schizophrenia.National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Bipolar Disorder.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Schizophrenia.National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Bipolar Disorder.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Schizophrenia.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Bipolar Disorder.
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