What is the difference between bpd and bipolar disorder

The condition is characterized by:. In addition, they may have suicidal thoughts. Some people with bipolar disorder may also experience hallucinations or breaks in reality psychosis. In a manic period, a person may believe they have supernatural powers. In a period of depression, they may believe they have done something wrong, such as causing an accident when they have not.

An estimated 1. People with the condition have chronic patterns of unstable thoughts. This instability makes it difficult to regulate emotions and impulse control. People with BPD also tend to have a history of unstable relationships. They may try hard to avoid feeling abandoned, even if it means staying in unhealthy situations. People with the condition may perceive people and situations in extremes — all good, or all bad.

In severe cases, some people may engage in self-harm, like cutting. Or they may have suicidal thoughts. The relationship between bipolar disorder and genetics remains unclear. People who have a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder are more likely to have the condition than the general public. But, in most cases people with a close relative who has the condition will not develop it. BPD is five times more likely to be present in people who have a close family member, such as a sibling or parent, with the condition.

A medical professional must diagnose bipolar disorder and BPD. Both conditions require psychological and medical exams to rule out other issues. A doctor may recommend the use of mood journals or questionnaires to help diagnose bipolar disorder. The highs, or elevated, expansive, or irritable periods, are considered manic episodes. The lows, or sad, empty, or hopeless periods, are depressive episodes.

Experiencing both manic episodes and depressive episodes differentiates BD from major depressive disorder MDD , which is dominated by only depressive episodes. During manic episodes, symptoms of BD include:. During depressive episodes, symptoms of BD include:. People experiencing mania can be reckless. They often lack self-awareness and are unable to understand how their impulses affect themselves and others.

People with bipolar I disorder often have cycles that switch from a depressive state to a manic state. Manic symptoms sometimes include symptoms of depression within the manic episode, which is called mixed features. Between cycles, people with BD often have periods of true symptom-free wellness lasting weeks, months, or years. On the other hand, people diagnosed with BPD typically have more persistent day-to-day emotional symptoms that can impact everyday life. Many of the experiences with emotional dysregulation in BPD are in response to relationship interactions, while BD symptoms can be triggered by a wide variety of factors, including chemical imbalances in the brain and stressful life events.

The exact cause of BPD is not entirely known, but research suggests that it can be influenced by environmental factors, especially those in early childhood. A history of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse or parental neglect is prevalent in people with BPD. Parental substance abuse is another potential cause. Research has shown that experiencing stress and trauma as a child, and an inability to cope can contribute to BPD later in life. Genetics, chemical imbalances, and brain structure may also play a role in BPD.

People with a family history of BPD are at higher risk of having the condition. Many people with BPD have altered brain neurotransmitter function, particularly of serotonin. Studies have shown that people with BPD can have structural and functional changes in the brain, especially in the areas that control impulses and emotional regulation like the amygdala, hippocampus , and orbitofrontal cortex.

The causes of BD are complex. Most agree that there is no one single cause, and a combination of factors often contributes to BD. People who have a direct relative with BD are more likely to develop it.

Some research also suggests that people with certain genes are more likely to develop BD. Researchers believe that chemical imbalances play a role in BD.

There is evidence that an imbalance in one or more neurotransmitters may result in bipolar symptoms. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 th Edition DSM-5 , which psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals use for diagnosing mental health conditions, BD is diagnosed when a person experiences a manic episode that may have been preceded or followed by a depressive episode. Bipolar 2 disorder is diagnosed when hypomania less severe mania and depressive episodes have been present.

The most effective treatment for these conditions is a personalized treatment plan that suits the symptoms, personal needs, and lifestyle. Psychotherapy is the first-line treatment for people with BPD. There are several types of empirically supported psychotherapies used in BPD, including:. The benefits of medications for BPD are less clear.

In some cases, a psychiatrist may recommend medications to treat specific symptoms, such as mood swings, depression, and other co-occurring mental disorders. Lifestyle adjustments that promote a balanced mood, and practicing self-care habits, like getting regular sleep and exercise, and participating in psychoeducation can help keep the condition under control.

Doctors can treat BD with medications and psychotherapy. Typically, psychiatrists prescribe mood stabilizers and second-generation antipsychotics for the treatment of BD They may also prescribe antidepressant medication to treat depressive episodes in BD. Psychotherapies that can be used for the treatment of BD include cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychoeducation. Other therapies designed specifically for the treatment of BD include interpersonal and social rhythm therapy and family-focused therapy.

Sometimes BD is treated with electroconvulsive therapy, a brain stimulation procedure used to treat severe or refractory manic and depressive episodes, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, which stimulates the brain with magnetic waves to help treat subtypes of depression.

Intense relationships often fraught with conflict are the hallmark of borderline personality disorder. People with BPD often have intense relationship histories, and many of their experiences with emotional dysregulation intense reactions and variabilities are in response to relationship interactions.

Ask about your diagnosis and treatment plan and be engaged in the diagnostic process. Both BPD and bipolar have good treatment options, but they are very different options, so putting time into getting a correct diagnosis is essential. These are serious health conditions that need individualized support and care in order to optimize recovery. We feature the latest research, stories of recovery, ways to end stigma and strategies for living well with mental illness.

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