The Difference Between Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder

Life is full of ups and downs. It can feel like an emotional rollercoaster that takes you through highs and lows in the blink of an eye. While most people can deal with the turbulence, some suffer from conditions that can make the ride a little rockier.

Bipolar disorder and Borderline personality disorder (BPD) are illnesses that affect millions of Americans. They are characterized by extreme mood shifts. While they do have many similarities, these conditions are unique.

What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

BPD can cause extreme emotional shifts. You may go from extremely elated one second to grief-stricken the next. Negative emotions tend to be more prominent when the transition occurs.

Compared to bipolar disorder, many consider BPD the more extreme condition. The sudden mood swing typically comes after a triggering event. Anything that causes emotional pain or fear can result in a mood change. For this reason, it’s more challenging to control and unpredictable.

The good news is that mood shifts are typically short-lived. They can last for only a few minutes or go on for a few hours. Either way, most people will find it easier to move on and focus on things that elevate their mood.

Currently, there are no medications available to treat BPD. The best thing you can do is seek an online psychiatrist consultation and get therapy.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

This condition is very similar to the last one. It also revolves around extreme mood changes. The difference, however, is that the mood swings with bipolar disorder are much longer.

In most cases, the shift isn’t a product of a triggering event. It’s not as quick or fast-paced as BPD. Instead, it’s more gradual and predictable.

Typically, people with bipolar disorder go between states of depression and mania. But between those moods, they will have relative emotional stability.

Like before, it’s a good idea to get an online psychiatrist consultation if you believe you have bipolar disorder. In addition to therapy, this condition is also treatable with mood-stabilizing medication.

Author Resource:-

Alester Brown writes about mental and physical health. She advises people on Paediatrician & online Psychiatrist consultation. You can find her thoughts at telehealth treatment blog.