Difference Between BPD & Bipolar

Bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder (BPD) are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. These two conditions can occur together, but not always. While there are pediatric forms of bipolar disorder, clinicians tend to refrain from diagnosing BPD in children; it is usually identified after the age of eighteen.

Identification of Bipolar Disorder

• Diagnosis of bipolar disorder is done by a trained professional. Typically, patients present to treatment while experiencing their first episode of mania.

Features of Bipolar Disorder

• Individuals with bipolar disorder experience extreme highs and lows in mood. Episodes of mania are characterized by a grandiose sense of self, little need for sleep, heightened creativity, increased energy and risky behavior. Symptoms of depression include low mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, decreased motivation and low energy.

Identification of BPD

• Borderline personality disorder is diagnosed by a trained professional. People with BPD have chronic patterns of dysfunction and instability. Patients have typically been involved with the mental health system for a long time prior to diagnosis in adulthood.

Features of BPD

• Borderline personality disorder is characterized by emotional instability that surfaces as intense efforts to avoid abandonment, troubled love/hate relationships, low self-esteem, impulsive and risky behavior (such as self-harm), recurrent suicidal gestures, intense anger, paranoia and feelings of emptiness.

Main Differences

• Recognizing that bipolar is a mood disorder and BPD is a personality disorder is the first step in differentiating between these conditions. Both are chronic illnesses, but bipolar disorder can be successfully treated. BPD is harder to treat, as the symptoms are hardwired into the patient's personality.