Bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder are both mental health illnesses that occur in all people demographics. Since both are personality disorders with some overlapping characteristics, it’s a common misconception that they are the same. Oftentimes, people get confused about each separate illness and the differences between them. What are the distinct symptoms of bipolar disorder vs. borderline personality disorder? Let’s explore the intricacies of each disorder.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a mental condition with fluctuating symptoms of depression and mania. Formerly titled manic-depressive illness, one of bipolar disorder’s main symptoms is mood swings. Individuals face dramatic shifts in personality, behavior, mood, and energy levels depending on whether they’re having a depressive or manic episode. Additionally, they will have neutral periods in between that vary in length according to their condition.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is broken into three main disorder diagnoses with differing symptoms. They are bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. Further, individuals can be diagnosed with subtypes of bipolar that don’t fall under one specific condition, such as mixed episodes.
What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
Symptoms are slightly different according to each different diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
Bipolar I is characterized as having manic episodes and depressive episodes. To elaborate, mania is a noticeable and intense increase in energy or mood. It can lead the individual to be incapable of maintaining normal life patterns. For example, mania can include symptoms like:
- Trouble sleeping
- Restlessness and increased activity
- Racing thoughts
- Psychosis
- Hallucinations
Along with mania, bipolar I typically include depressive episodes and periods of neutral mood and behavior.
Bipolar II is characterized as having hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes. Hypomanic episodes are less severe than manic episodes but have largely the same symptoms. For example, bipolar II can often be more manageable than bipolar I when it comes to having a fulfilling life. Further, some people view their bipolar II hypomania as a strength because they can be productive and energetic. However, bipolar II can develop into bipolar I without maintenance.
Cyclothymic disorder is an irregular patterns of bipolar disorder that include depression, mania or hypomania, and neutral mood. Yet, symptoms might be less intense or shorter lasting.
How Is Bipolar Disorder Treated?
Bipolar disorders are best treated with a combination of traditional and holistic therapies. This teaches individuals about their illness and equips them to manage their symptoms. Our mental health rehab treatment provides holistic wellness, as well as optional medication management for alleviating symptoms long-term.
The Link Between Bipolar Disorder and Substance Abuse
Bipolar depression is largely passed down genetically through family lines. Between 80 and 90 percent of individuals with bipolar have a family member with either BD or depression. Yet, bipolar disorder statistics show that bipolar disorder is also linked with substance abuse. Tragically, the mixture of bipolar and substance abuse leads to more severe symptoms, earlier symptom onset, and treatment resistance.
Get confidential help from our addiction and mental health treatment facilities located across the United States. Call to join one of our quality programs today!
Speak With Our Admissions TeamWhat Is Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline personality disorder falls under Cluster B of personality disorders. This means it’s characterized as having symptoms that are dramatic, erratic, and impulsive. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) includes difficulty regulating emotions and mood swings that stem from a root of self-insecurity. Further, people with BPD show a lot of intensity in their thoughts and behaviors.
What Are the Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder?
Along with the traits mentioned above, borderline personality disorder has common symptoms that can be difficult to manage while engaging in a satisfying life. These include:
- Low self-worth
- Fear of abandonment
- Perceived rejection
- Avoidant behaviors
- Self-destructive behaviors
- Feelings of anger
- Recklessness and impulsivity
- Manipulative tendencies
In sum, people with BPD struggle with negative behaviors and thoughts that prevent them from rising above their symptoms.
How Is Borderline Personality Disorder Treated?
Mental health rehabilitation is a valuable treatment step for people with borderline personality disorder. Traditional behavioral therapy helps individuals unpack the negative patterns they resort to. Additionally, it teaches them alternative methods of thinking and acting to replace toxic traits. Our team of therapists works with clients to help them discover the positive effects of changing their actions. Further, group and individual therapy sessions provide clients with safe spaces for peer discussion.
The Link Between Borderline Personality Disorder and Substance Abuse
The connection between borderline personality disorder and drug use is high. Sadly, borderline personality disorder statistics show that approximately 78 percent of people with BPD develop a substance use disorder (SUD). As such, they require co-occurring disorders treatment that addresses both connected illnesses.
Looking for quality treatment for substance abuse and mental health that’s also affordable? Aliya Health Group's treatment facilities accept most major insurance providers. Get a free insurance benefits check now!
Check Your CoverageBipolar Disorder vs Borderline Personality Disorder: Similarities and Differences
It’s understandable to feel confused about bipolar disorder vs. borderline personality disorder. Notably, both include mood swings from high to low feelings and genetic origins. They may also be treated with similar medications. But BPD is more rooted in psychological conditions, while bipolar episodes are rooted in biology. Simply put, bipolar has periods of instability and stability that fluctuate. Conversely, BPD symptoms are always present since they’re rooted in the person’s sense of identity and self.
As shown, both bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder are connected with substance abuse, which worsens each condition. Through Aliya’s treatment providers, we provide dual-diagnosis rehab that cares for your mental illness and substance disorder together. True healing occurs when all issues are addressed, so we help clients heal in programming that addresses co-occurring disorders.
The Importance of Mental Health Treatment
Whether you struggle with borderline personality disorder or bipolar disorder, we offer mental health treatment for personality disorders. Although many people lack the therapeutic care they need, mental health treatment gives you the tools to rise above your situation. Having a mental disorder is painful and isolating. Treatment shows you you’re not alone and you don’t have to stay stuck in your pain. Our bipolar treatment and personality disorder treatment alike has helped countless individuals overcome their mental battles.
Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment Options
Aliya Health Group provides comprehensive mental health treatment for conditions like bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. Our mental health rehab prioritizes people before illnesses. Every part of your treatment plan is based on your individual needs. Through our holistic approach to wellness, we’ll help you unpack your disorder and manage your symptoms. For some, this includes medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for long-term maintenance. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.
Individualized Treatment Plans
Each client works with their therapist to create an individualized treatment plan. It includes all the details of their recovery, like their needs, goals, therapeutic approach, and timeline. We offer continuing levels of care that can take you from substance detox to aftercare programming.
Professional Mental Health Treatment
Rest assured that Aliya’s team is comprised of experienced and licensed mental health care workers. Our team of doctors, nurses, therapists, counselors, and case managers are knowledgeable about addiction, mental illness, treatment, and most of all, healing. Our intake team is ready to take your call, so reach out today.
