If your moods feel extremely unpredictable, you might be wondering: is this bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder? Are you dealing with bipolar or borderline or something else entirely? These conditions share some common symptoms, yet they differ in other ways. Knowing the difference will guide you to getting the proper assistance and being on the right track to recovery.
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What Are Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder
People with Bipolar disorder experience mania or hypomania followed by depressive periods. You may experience unusually elevated energy levels during manic episodes, leading to impulsive decision-making and a lack of focused thinking. The depressive episodes may cause loss of hopelessness, exhaustion, as well as a lack of interest in everyday life. These shifts in mood tend to take days or weeks and are mixed with periods of emotional stability.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
People with BPD have severe emotional imbalance, relationship problems, and a sense of identity that changes. Emotions can switch between happiness and anger in a matter of minutes or hours usually prompted by minor stresses or fear of being rejected. This emotional overwhelm may lead to an impulsive act or self-destruction, at least during the time of crisis.
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How Do You Tell Them Apart?
These are the significant differences that can help you to determine bipolar vs bpd.
- How Long Mood Changes Last
Bipolar: Episodes last for days or weeks
BPD: Emotions shift rapidly within hours or even minutes
- What Causes the Shifts
Bipolar: Mood swings often seem to come out of nowhere
BPD: Emotional spikes are usually tied to relationships or perceived rejection
- Sense of Identity
Bipolar: Self-image remains relatively steady, even when moods shift
BPD: You might experience a chronic feeling of emptiness and confusion about who you are
- Relationships
Bipolar: Relationships may suffer during mood episodes, but not all the time
BPD: You might experience extreme “idealize then devalue” cycles with people you care about
- Self-Harm and Suicide Risk
Both conditions increase the risk of impulsive behavior, but self-harm is more characteristic of BPD
Mistaken diagnoses are common, with up to 40% of people later diagnosed with BPD being initially treated for bipolar disorder. That’s why a thorough evaluation is so necessary.
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FREE 24/7 Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Services HotlineWhy Accurate Diagnosis Matters
Being appropriately diagnosed is not just labeling a disease as bipolar disorder vs BPD. It directs you toward the most effective treatment plans. If you are seriously asking yourself whether you are bipolar or borderline, you will need professional assistance.
How Treatment Approaches Differ
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
- Mood stabilizers including lithium, anticonvulsants, and antipsychotics
- Forms of psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy
- Support groups to help with medication compliance and emotional balance
Treating BPD
- Psychotherapy, especially dialectical behavior therapy DBT (a specialized form of cognitive behavioral therapy CBT)
- Other evidence-based approaches include mentalization-based therapy and schema-focused therapy
- Medications may help with symptoms like anxiety or depression but only complement therapy
When Both Conditions Occur Together
It’s possible to have both BPD and bipolar disorder. Indeed, research indicates that approximately 20 percent of patients with bipolar II also qualify as having BPD. These two conditions are such that a careful treatment strategy involving both a medication and psychotherapy regimen will be needed for mood stability and emotional control.
“Am I Bipolar or Borderline?”
Reflecting on these questions may help. Prepare answers to them and bring them for a psychiatric evaluation.
- Are mood swings permanent, or do they change in a matter of hours?
- Do your emotions change based on relationships or what others do?
- Do you struggle with feelings of emptiness or sudden changes in your identity?
- Have you ever hurt yourself or struggled to cope with emotional pain?
- Have you noticed improvements with mood stabilizers before?
Being thoughtful in your answers will help your mental health provider select the correct diagnosis and the best treatment approach.
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What an Ideal Treatment Program Offers
A quality program for bipolar vs BPD should include the following.
- A full mental health professional evaluation
- Medication support (if needed for bipolar disorder)
- Specialized therapy—DBT for BPD, CBT or IPSRT for bipolar
- Support groups to build community and shared understanding
- Family education to improve support systems
- Aftercare planning to maintain stability long-term
This kind of care model addresses both the emotional and practical aspects of recovery.
FAQs: Getting Help with BPD vs Bipolar in Spokane Valley, WA
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Where in Spokane Valley can I get help with BPD vs bipolar?
It is possible to get professional diagnostic assessment and customized treatment plans in Spokane Valley at We Level Up Washington.
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How can I get assessed if I ask, “Am I bipolar or borderline?”
Book a mental health assessment, focusing on mood patterns, emotional response, history of relationships, and all experiences with medical treatment. At that point, your provider can figure out what you are contending with (bipolar disorder, BP,D or combinations), as well as what avenue would be best to pursue.
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What about Spokane, Liberty Lake, or Coeur d’Alene?
Residents of Spokane, Liberty Lake, and Coeur d’Alene are provided with high-quality care close to their homes. Services at We Leve Up Washington include therapy groups, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and long-term wellness plans.
Taking the Next Step
If you are in a place where you are still wondering, “Am I bipolar or borderline?” remember you are not alone, and there is no need to figure this out by yourself. Effective management and caring support start with a proper diagnosis.
It can be a healing journey, such as mood stabilizers, DBT skills, peer-to-peer therapy, or creating better relationships with people.
Get help from We Level Up Washington with a detailed assessment, and you will encounter a team that genuinely cares about you, is committed to assisting you, and prioritizes your mental health and well-being. Your life deserves clarity, care, and hope, starting right now.
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Hotline: (509) 348-4077End the Emotional Pain Rollercoaster. Gain Stability & Happiness Through Recovery Treatment. Start Mental Health Counseling Today. Get Free No-obligation Guidance by Behaviroal Health Specialists Who Understand Mental Health Recovery.
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Call today to speak with our team and learn more about our programs. We Level Up Washington: (509) 348-4077. Your next step starts here.