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Bipolar Vs. Borderline Personality

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder. People with bipolar disorder experience depression (sad and tearful), and mania (a happy high) continually. Borderline personality is a personality disorder. People with borderline personality experience many love-hate relationships.

  1. Features

    • In addition to mood swings, people with bipolar disorder are commonly unorganized at home and at work. Individuals with borderline personality perceive disagreements as rejection or abandonment. To reclaim control of their perceived attacker, they engage in self harm by cutting themselves or threatening suicide.

    Treatments

    • Bipolar disorder is treated with mood stabilizing and antidepressant medications in addition to therapy. Borderline personality is treated with therapy.

    Significance

    • According to the APA, "Bipolar disorder occurs equally among men and women. Borderline personality is predominately diagnosed in (about 75%) females."

    Considerations

    • Bipolar disorder is not curable. Borderline personality can be cured; however, this doesn't usually occur until patients are in their 40s.

    History

    • Patty Duke Austin is bipolar.

    Warning

    • The risk of suicide is high for individuals with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder.

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