While the terms BPD vs. bipolar are often used interchangeably, the two don’t refer to the same thing. Both are serious mental illnesses linked with drastic mood swings. However, BPD is a personality disorder, and bipolar refers to a mood disorder. This expert article outlines and explains the difference between BPD and bipolar, the symptoms, and the possible treatments for both. You will learn more about what a manic episode is, and this way, you will better understand yourself or someone else with the illness. 

When equipped with the proper knowledge, you will be able to identify the signs and symptoms of mental conditions and be ready to seek out the help of a professional. With that in mind, we recommend you consider mental health counseling services in Hialeah, FL. Reach out to the best professionals in your area to receive treatment and superb results.

So, what is BPD vs. bipolar disorder? What are some of the differences and similarities between these two conditions? Keep reading to find out.

BPD vs. Bipolar: The Terms Defined

Due to some similarities, borderline personality disorder and bipolar mood disorder (BPD and bipolar) are often falsely believed to be the same. However, there is more than one significant difference between BPD and bipolar that you need to consider. What makes the two similar is that dramatic mood swings characterize both. 

Borderline personality disorder, or BPD, is a severe mental disorder that impacts an individual’s ability to regulate emotions normally. Due to emotional control loss, patients with borderline personality disorder tend to be more impulsive. Moreover, emotional control loss can affect how the patient feels about themselves and hinder the relationship quality with other people. 

On the other hand, bipolar is not precisely a personality disorder but more of a mood disorder. 

In the past, bipolar disorder was also called “manic depression,” and it is a common mental illness that can cause extreme mood changes that involve lows (depression) and intense emotional highs (hypomania or mania). 

When individuals with a bipolar mood disorder are depressed, they may feel hopeless and extremely sad, or they can lose all interest and pleasure in otherwise fun activities. When the mood of bipolar patients shifts to hypomania or mania, they can feel energetic, euphoric, and irritable. Due to the different mood shifts, patients with bipolar disorder find it challenging to sleep and think clearly. Moreover, mood shifts can affect judgment, activity, energy, and behavior in patients with bipolar disorder. 

If you have any further questions or concerns related to your mental health or your health in general, contact Carreras Medical Center in Hialeah, FL.

The Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

A Man With Bipolar Disorder at the Mirror. Bipolar Affective Disorder

The difference between BPD and bipolar lies in the symptoms and treatment methods. Here are the most common symptoms of borderline personality disorder:

  • Dramatic changes in emotions (these can last from a few hours up to a couple of days)
  • A BPD episode often involves engaging in unsafe or impulsive behaviors
  • Frequent displays of uncontrolled aggression or inappropriate anger
  • Feelings of emptiness and low self-worth
  • Considering self-injury or recurring thoughts of self-harm
  • Suffering from chronic depression
  • Distorted or unrealistic self-image
  • Fear of abandonment
  • Displays of shorter mood instability cycles
  • A typical pattern of unstable and intense relationships
  • A lack of trusted and close friends
  • Stress-related BPD episodes 

Individuals with borderline personality disorder often show uncontrolled aggression. These patients are typically very impulsive, and they are more likely to engage in behaviors such as gambling or drug abuse. On top of that, the symptoms of borderline personality disorder are typically provoked by conflict with an institution or another individual. A stressful or traumatic event can also increase the occurrences of a BPD episode. 

A noteworthy feature of borderline personality disorder is “splitting.” This is when an individual cannot hold emotionally conflicting viewpoints related to themselves and other people. Typically, splitting is a defense or coping mechanism, and it is used to manage intense abandonment or fear. As a result, people with BPD can have difficulties in relationships and impulsive behavior.

The Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

Patients with bipolar disorder experience drastic mood changes. They often display manic episodes that involve highs – expansive, elevated, or unusual irritable periods. Bipolar is also characterized by depressive episodes that involve lows – empty, hopeless, and sad periods. The critical difference between BPD and bipolar is that the latter experiences a balance of depressive and manic episodes. On the other hand, borderline personality disorder is characterized by a dominance of depressive episodes. 

Here are some of the most common symptoms of a person with bipolar mood disorder:

  • Having inflated self-esteem
  • Showing a decreased need for sleep
  • Racing thoughts
  • Excessively talking
  • Elevated euphoria, mood, or irritability
  • Easily distracted
  • Impaired judgment
  • Assaultive or threatening behavior
  • Depression
  • Feelings of failure and guilt
  • Limited or flat expressions
  • Changes in weight
  • Insomnia
  • Focusing on negative beliefs and feelings
  • Frequent thoughts of suicide or death
  • Soft and slow speech
  • Displaying a lack of motivation and energy

What Is a Manic Episode?

A manic episode, or simply “mania,” describes a mental state characterized by euphoria, high energy, and excessive excitement over an extended period. Individuals with bipolar mood disorder often experience manic episodes. This extreme change in cognition and mood often interferes with home life, work, and school.

While some signs of a manic episode may seem beneficial at first glance (such as feeling euphoric), this is far from true. Most of the time, individuals experiencing mania lack self-awareness.

What Causes BPD?

While the exact cause of borderline personality disorder remains a mystery, findings show that early childhood environmental factors possibly influence it. For instance, a history of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse is common in individuals with borderline personality disorder. Moreover, significant parental neglect can contribute to the formation of BPD. According to research findings, children who experience trauma and stress without knowing how to cope can develop borderline personality disorder in adulthood. 

Genetics can also contribute to BPD. Brain structure and chemical imbalance may also play a role in this mental illness. According to research, many patients with this illness have altered serotonin function.

What Causes Bipolar Personality Disorder?

It is challenging to pinpoint a single cause of the bipolar disorder. According to most experts, one can have bipolar mood disorder for many reasons. For instance, individuals who are directly related to a person with bipolar disorder have a higher chance of developing the illness. It is also suggested that individuals with specific genes are more prone to developing this condition. Evidence also reveals that an imbalance in neurotransmitters can also cause symptoms of bipolar disorder.

How Are BPD and Bipolar Personality Disorder Diagnosed?

A person is diagnosed as bipolar when they experience a manic episode preceded or followed by a characteristic depressive episode. Changes in sleep are an indicator that someone has bipolar mood disorder. Family history can also help diagnose BPD and bipolar – the chances of bipolar being passed down via family members is higher than BPD.

Possible Treatment Methods for BPD and Bipolar Personality Disorder

Sad African American Teenager Looking Down While Having a Therapy Session With His Psychiatrist.

BPD requires psychotherapy. Some of the different types of psychotherapies that are empirically supported include:

  • Mentalization-based therapy: helps you understand what is happening in the mind.
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy: supports the management of emotions.

BPD may require making lifestyle adjustments such as getting proper sleep and exercise.

Bipolar disorder is treated with psychotherapy and medications. Usually, patients with bipolar get prescribed mood stabilizers and antipsychotics (second-generation). Some may also receive antidepressant medication.

Reach Out to Us Today

Are you struggling with BPD or bipolar? Are you concerned about your mental health? We’re here for you. Contact Carreras Medical Center in Hialeah, FL, to get started today.