How to Compare Bipolar Disorder With BPD

Borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder may present with similar symptoms.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and bipolar disorder, both types of mental illnesses, may overlap symptoms. Only a trained doctor can differentiate between the two. Borderline personality disorder tends to be the more common, although it is not as well known, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

Symptoms

Individuals affected with bipolar disorder may suffer with the same mood for weeks, while a person with BPD may cycle through emotional mood swings in hours, explains the NIMH,. BPD can be marked by substance abuse, self-mutilation and major changes in identity and distorted cognitive processes. Sufferers commonly express feelings of rejection that precipitate anger or distress. BPD may co-occur with bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses.

Treatment

Group and individual counseling help the affected BPD sufferer address issues, while medications target specific symptoms, depending on the patient. These may include antidepressants and mood stabilizers, which are also used for bipolar disorder.

Causes

Individuals with bipolar disorder tend to be genetically predisposed to the disease. Both environment and genetics seem to play a part in BPD. Trauma through sexual abuse, domestic violence or other life-altering circumstances appear more frequently in those with BPD, according to the NIMH.

References

• National Institute of Mental Health: Borderline Personality Disorder
• The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: Bipolar Disorder Statistics