You’d be surprised to learn that Bipolar Disorder (BD) is one of the most common long-term conditions, affecting more people than epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is also another complication to be worried about, though it is thought to be under-recognized.
Despite being distinct from one another, these conditions share mood disturbances as their most prominent symptoms. That explains why they are often misunderstood. Understanding the nuances between BPD vs Bipolar is important for those with one of the conditions as well as their loved ones supporting them.
In a nutshell, Bipolar Disorder is a psychiatric condition that is known to affect a person’s mood. It is mostly characterized by extreme moods that swing from mania to depression. The depressive episodes of BP are characterized by feelings of lethargy and low mood.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a definitive cause of BP. It is highly believed that a number of factors influence the development or exacerbation of the condition. These can be physical, social, and environmental factors. They include genetics, triggers, and chemical imbalances, to mention a few.
When it comes to Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), it is known to also affect a person’s mood. But unlike BP, it also affects how they interact with other people. This is the most well-known personality disorder. Generally speaking, a person with a diagnosed personality disorder will have differences in how they feel, think and relate to other people.
Similar to bipolar disorder, there isn’t a definitive cause for borderline personality disorder and it is thought to be caused by many factors at play such as genetics, brain chemical imbalances, altered brains, and environmental factors, to mention a few.
It is worth mentioning that both disorders feature intense moods and mood. In BPD these are rapid; in BD these are more prolonged episodes. Keep in mind both conditions have an element of impulsivity. This might mean individuals engage in risky behaviors, impulsive or substance abuse. However, the reasons for the impulsivity are different. Hopefully, you now have an insight into BPD vs Bipolar differences.
