Finding mental health struggles can be difficult. Some of the obstacles are similar, but not the same. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and bipolar disorder are often confused. Both affect moods, but they do in many ways. Many people with these conditions have made the diagnosis wrong. This makes treatment difficult.
The key is to know what sets them apart. Boundaries and bipolarity – not just mood swings. The way these disorders work, their causes, and treatment are all different. People with BPD may feel empty, fearful of being alone, and feel rocky with others. People with bipolar disorder can experience extreme highs and lows.
Let’s break it all.
Key takeout
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BPD mood shifts are short and are often triggered by external events. In bipolar disorder, mood changes last longer and cycle.
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BPD and bipolar have different treatments. Treatment is key to BPD. Medication is required for bipolar disorder.
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Incorrect diagnosis is common. Knowing each of the signs helps people get the right care.
Borderlines and bipolarity: How moods and behaviors differ
Both BPD and bipolar people face mood swings. However, the way these mood changes occur is different.
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BPD has a rapid mood swing. A person may feel happy, then angry and sad. These changes occur in response to what is surrounding you.
Example: People with BPD may feel joy after receiving a compliment, but when they feel rejection they will suddenly become enraged and later feel deep sadness for hours.
Example: People with bipolar disorder may have endless energy and confidence for two weeks, then suddenly lose their motivation and struggle to get out of bed for several months.
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Another important point – impulse control. Both conditions can lead to reckless choices. However, in BPD, these behaviors are often linked to fear of being left alone. In bipolar disorder, they occur during man disease stage.
Example: People with BPD may make dangerous decisions that would stop their work out of fear that their boss would dislike them. On the other hand, people with Manic bipolar episodes may shop extremes without considering the outcome.
What causes BPD and bipolar disorder?
Causes of borderline personality disorder
BPD is linked to both genetics and life events. This is what can lead to it:
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Family History – If relatives have it, the risk is higher.
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Brain Structure – Some of the brain that controls emotions may not work.
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Childhood Trauma – Many people with BPD face negligence or abuse.
These factors shape how people see the world. The fear of abandonment is a major problem for people with BPD.
Caused by bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is also linked to gene and brain changes. However, there is an important difference.
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Strong genetic tie – it works in families that exceed BPD.
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Brain Chemical Shifts – Changes in neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin play a role.
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Life Stress – Great life changes and trauma can cause episodes.
What are the main things to be aware of? Bipolar disorder is more linked to brain function than BPD.
Symptoms: How to communicate the difference
Symptoms of borderline personality disorder
People with BPD have unstable emotions, identities and relationships. Signs include:
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The fear of being alone (even if it’s not the real thing)
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Fast changing moods that last for a few minutes to several hours
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Dangerous actions such as spending and reckless driving
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I always feel empty
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An explosive anger that is difficult to control
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The threat of self-harm or suicide
Symptoms of bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder has two major conditions: mania and depression.
Symptoms of man disease:
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Extreme energy and excitement
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Less sleep needs
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Fast speech and race ideas
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Confidence and the feeling of “unstopping”
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Poor choices (excessive sex or dangerous sex, etc.)
Depression symptoms:
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Deep sadness and despair
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Low energy and fatigue
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Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
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Thoughts of death or suicide
One important stat: arbout 2.8% of US adults You have bipolar disorder in any year.
Borders and Bipolarity: Sort Appearance
|
Features |
Borderline personality disorder |
Bipolar disorder |
|
Mood shift |
Fast within hours or minutes |
It lasts from a few days to a few months |
|
trigger |
External Events |
It happens on its own |
|
Impulse control |
Based on the fear of being alone |
It is linked to man’s disease state |
|
Self-image |
Unstable |
It’s more stable, but changes during the episode |
|
Main treatments |
Therapy (DBT) |
Medicines and Treatments |
How are these disorders treated?
Borderline personality disorder treatment
BPD is best treated with treatment. The best choice is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). It helps:
Drugs are not the first option for BPD. However, some people take antidepressants or mood stabilizers for related issues like depression.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Bipolar disorder is primarily treated with medication. This includes:
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Mood stabilizers (lithium, valproic acid)
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Antipsychotics (ketiapine, risperidone)
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Antidepressants (occasionally but with caution)
Therapy is also helpful, but medication is needed to control mood swings.
Final Thoughts
Misdiagnosis of boundaries and bipolarities leads to incorrect treatment. Treatment helps BPD, but medication is key to bipolar disorder. Knowing the signs and differences can change your life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with these symptoms, talk to a mental health professional today. The correct help makes all the difference. I’ll also share this with my friends and family. Those you know may need it.
Read again: Types of mental health problems
FAQ
Can someone have both borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder?
Yes, but that’s rare. Many symptoms overlap and doctors should check carefully before diagnosing both.
How is bipolar anger different from BPD anger?
Bipolar anger is linked to man’s disease or the stage of depression. BPD anger is often a response to being hurt or abandoned.
Do bipolars have unstable relationships like BPD?
Not always. People with BPD struggle more with intense, rocky relationships. Bipolar disorder does not always affect relationships the same way.
Why do people with BPD fear abandonment?
Past trauma and neglect can make them fear being alone. This fear often leads to extreme reactions.
What is the biggest mistake in the diagnosis of BPD and bipolar disorder?
Doctors can confuse them because both are shaking. However, bipolar disorder has a clear cycle, but BPD emotions shift quickly.
Will lifestyle changes help you manage these obstacles?
yes. Healthy habits such as normal sleep, a balanced diet and treatment can help reduce symptoms of both conditions.
Should people with BPD or bipolar disorder look at a psychiatrist or therapist?
both. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications for bipolar disorder. Therapists are the key to treating BPD with treatments like DBT.
