bipolar cycling symptoms
What are some differences between bipolar and borderline personality disorders?
I know that BP’s tend to be in depressed/manic phases for a while, but BPD’s tend to change moods frequently (rapid mood cycling). Many of the symptoms of these two mental disorders are shared, so what are some distinct differences between them other than what I mentioned?
Oh, and I do know bipolar is more of a mental disorder while BPD is more of a personality disorder.
Thanks
Bipolar mood shifts do not have a cause……. they happen as the chemicals in the brain change but are not triggered by events. BPD rapid mood shifts are usually triggered by events, sometimes seemingly insignificant but triggering events none the less.
Bipolar is usually relieved by medication (because it is a chemical imbalance that can be balanced by meds) while BPD usually does not see an improvement through medication.
BPD has specific behaviors not usually seen in Bipolar – Black and white thinking, fear of abandonment, insecure sense of self, jealousy (usually related to the fear of abandonment), need for constant validation, etc…..
Both disorders are frequently seen together – Someone with Bipolar usually comes from a family that has other mental illnesses in it such as Bipolar parents, depression, schizophrenia. This can create a childhood environment where BPD can easily develop resulting in many people who have both disorders.
