Bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder often get confused. Bipolar disorder is a complicated mental health condition that is frequently misunderstood. About 4% of adults in the U.S. will experience it at some point in their lives. Of those, an estimated 82% face serious impairment due to the disorder, marking the highest impairment rate among mood disorders.
Early intervention in bipolar disorder can make a significant difference in someone’s life and can even be life-saving. Although the different signs and symptoms are often difficult to identify, awareness plays a key role in helping those affected with accurate diagnoses.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterized by dramatic mood changes that can disrupt energy levels and activity. Those living with the condition may go through intense emotional highs, called manic episodes, and deep lows, referred to as depressive episodes. These shifts in mood can vary in intensity and frequency, sometimes interfering with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
There are two main types: bipolar I and bipolar II. Bipolar I involves manic episodes that last at least a week or are so severe that immediate medical attention is required. Bipolar II is less intense, with shorter, milder manic episodes. There is also cyclothymic disorder, a less severe form of bipolar disorder marked by periods of milder mania and depression that don’t last as long.
Recognizing a Bipolar Manic Episode
Since bipolar disorder has many characteristics, its symptoms can vary. Some common signs of mania include:
- Feeling extremely euphoric or excited
- Being unusually irritable or easily angered
- Increased restlessness or energy
- Needing less sleep
- Rapid speech
- Racing thoughts
- Feeling able to take on many tasks at once
- Seeking excessive pleasure
- Overestimating one’s importance or abilities
The appearance of manic episodes differs depending on whether a person has bipolar I or II and is also influenced by individual personality traits. It’s crucial to watch for when these symptoms are heightened and last for an extended period.
Symptoms of Bipolar Depression to Notice
Depressive episodes can be especially dangerous for individuals with bipolar disorder. The signs of depression can be harder to notice, especially if someone keeps their emotions hidden. Symptoms of a depressive episode may include:
- Deep sadness or persistent anxiety
- Feeling sluggish or restless
- Sleep disturbances (either too little or too much)
- Slow speech and minimal conversation
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Struggling with everyday tasks
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Like manic episodes, depressive states vary from person to person. It’s essential to stay alert and compassionate toward anyone who may be experiencing these symptoms.
It’s also possible to have both manic and depressive symptoms simultaneously, known as a “mixed episode.” These can be more complex and harder to recognize since they don’t clearly fit into manic or depressive categories.
How Does Borderline Personality Disorder Differ?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition that is frequently misunderstood. There are four recognized types of BPD, and it’s possible for an individual to experience more than one type throughout their lifetime. These forms can also shift and evolve as a person grows and faces new life stages.
People with BPD often struggle to manage their emotions, which can lead to difficulties in maintaining stable relationships. The emotional highs and lows may also drive impulsive behaviors. While traits like emotional instability are consistent across all BPD types, symptoms such as anger and aggression can vary greatly.
Discouraged Borderline Personality Disorder
Also referred to as “quiet” BPD, discouraged BPD leads individuals to internalize their emotions and mood swings rather than express them outwardly.
People with discouraged BPD might:
- Appear high-functioning
- Struggle to form close friendships or bonds
- Push themselves toward perfectionism
- Feel isolated in group settings
- Engage in self-harm or suicidal behaviors
- Crave validation and approval
- Experience feelings of loneliness
Even though they keep their emotions bottled up, the internal turmoil faced by individuals with discouraged BPD is no less challenging.
Other more outwardly visible signs of discouraged BPD can include:
- Needy or clingy behavior
- Displays of anger
- Frequent emotional mood swings
- Codependency in relationships
Because discouraged BPD symptoms are often hidden, it may be harder to recognize. If you notice signs of this condition in a loved one, seek help from professionals who can guide you on how to support them in getting the care they need.
Impulsive Borderline Personality Disorder
While impulsivity is a hallmark of all forms of BPD, individuals with impulsive BPD experience more intense and uncontrollable urges.
Those with impulsive BPD may appear:
- Energetic and lively
- Charismatic and engaging
- Detached or emotionally distant at times
- Motivated, but in unpredictable ways
Impulsive behaviors can manifest in aggressive actions, binge eating, overspending, driving recklessly, substance abuse, and even physical altercations. These actions are often carried out without thought of the potential consequences.
Petulant Borderline Personality Disorder
Petulant BPD is marked by severe mood fluctuations. People with this form of the disorder may shift from anger to sadness quickly, feeling easily unloved or unworthy. These feelings can lead to control issues and conflicts in relationships.
Individuals with petulant BPD may:
- Exhibit manipulative tendencies
- Sabotage their own relationships
- Struggle with extreme impatience and irritability
- Display passive-aggressive behavior
- Show defiance toward authority
- Be notably stubborn
Petulant BPD can result in someone being frequently downcast or moody. What may seem like a “bad attitude” is actually a sign of a deeper mental health condition that requires attention and treatment.
Self-Destructive Borderline Personality Disorder
Those with self-destructive BPD tend to have deep feelings of self-loathing, which heavily influences their moods and relationships.
Signs of self-destructive BPD may include:
- Self-harm or reckless behavior
- Substance abuse
- Engaging in impulsive or dangerous activities
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Difficulty sleeping or complete lack of sleep
- Periods of intense energy or euphoria
Like other forms of BPD, self-destructive BPD is also associated with mood and emotional instability, often resulting in harm to oneself.
Understanding the Differences Between Bipolar Disorder and BPD
While bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder (BPD) share some similarities, such as mood instability and difficulty in relationships, they are distinct conditions with different causes and patterns. Bipolar disorder is primarily characterized by extreme mood swings between manic highs and depressive lows, often cycling over weeks or months. In contrast, BPD is defined by emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and intense, unstable relationships, with mood changes happening more rapidly, sometimes within hours. The underlying issues also differ—bipolar disorder is linked to chemical imbalances in the brain, while BPD is often rooted in early trauma and attachment issues. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment, ensuring individuals receive the most appropriate care for their specific condition.
About Alter
Alter is a behavioral healthcare provider that specializes in evidence-based clinical treatment approaches. We provide a wide range of programs for adults and families experiencing mental health conditions including schizophrenia, depression, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, substance abuse, and more. This is done through client-centered care for a full-continuum of treatment. We serve the entire U.S. population from our revolutionary locations throughout sunny Southern California. Whether an individual needs 24/7 care or wants an outpatient program – we are there to guide every step of the journey. For more information, give us a call at (877) 613-9776 or visit our website at alterbehavioralhealth.com.
