The acronym “BPD” is often used in mental health settings, but what exactly does it mean? Some might assume it refers to bipolar disorder; however, this is not the case. BPD actually stands for borderline personality disorder, another type of mental illness marked by intense emotions and mood instability.
Borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder may sound similar, and even exhibit overlapping symptoms, but the conditions are very distinct. In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between BPD and bipolar disorder, to help you feel more informed.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a common type of mental health disorder that’s defined by extreme mood changes, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression), at distinct periods of time. Those struggling with bipolar disorder will have periods of sadness, meeting the full criteria for depression, that last for days or weeks. These periods are then followed with elevated emotions, with higher energy and self-esteem that lasts for days or weeks on end. In between these periods, a person with bipolar disorder may also experience more stable moods.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
The symptoms of bipolar disorder will vary significantly, depending on the “period” a person is in. For example, those in their low period will exhibit tell-tale signs of depression, while those in a high period will experience symptoms of mania. Here’s a breakdown of what bipolar disorder can look like:
Manic or hypomanic episodes:
- Extremely elevated or irritable mood
- Increased energy and productivity
- Little need for sleep
- Racing thoughts
- Fast speech
- Impulsivity or risky decisions
Depressive episodes:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Low energy and fatigue
- Loss of interest in activities
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Changes in sleep and appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
Causes of Bipolar Disorder
Like many mental health conditions, bipolar disorder often stems from a person’s biology and brain chemistry. Genetics can play a major role in a person’s risk of developing bipolar disorder, and imbalances in certain neurotransmitters increase this vulnerability. Stress, lack of sleep, and traumatic events can also trigger episodes of bipolar disorder, but are not generally seen as evidence-based causes.
Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is typically treated through a combination of evidence-based modalities, in a professional setting. For example, medication has been found to be extremely effective in stabilizing moods and controlling the depressive/manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. In combination with medication, experts also recommend therapy to establish long-term coping skills. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help individuals recognize signs of mood changes, manage stress, and make lifestyle changes to improve their overall well-being.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that is complex and, as a result, frequently misunderstood. Simply put, BPD affects how a person manages their emotions, views themself, and relates to others. This condition causes intense emotional highs and lows which, in turn, disrupt a person’s sense-of-self and their ability to build relationships.
There are several different types of borderline personality disorder, which have distinct features and symptoms. Generally speaking, those with BPD will experience rapidly changing emotions, instability in moods, issues with self-image, difficulty controlling impulses, and instable relationships. The intense mood swings experienced with BPD can last hours or days, but the condition itself can be chronic.
Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
When a person is struggling with BPD, they will move quickly between moods and emotions: Stable to sad, anxious to angry, rational to reckless. On top of these fluctuations, their emotions are escalated and those with BPD struggle to maintain an even composure in reaction to situations. Those with BPD often think in “black or white,” meaning they have difficulty putting things into perspective or seeing things from others’ point of view. To summarize, hallmark symptoms of borderline personality disorder include:
- Emotional instability (mood swings that can shift within hours)
- Unstable relationships (intense highs and lows with others)
- Distorted self-image (uncertain identity or sense-of-self)
- Chronic feelings of emptiness
- Struggles understanding their thoughts, feelings, and urges
- Black-and-white thinking (e.g. people are either good or bad)
- Impulsive behaviors (spending, substance use, risky actions)
- Fear of abandonment (real or perceived)
- Anger that’s hard to control
Causes of Borderline Personality Disorder
There is no singular cause of BPD. However, according to NewYork-Presbyterian, it’s often a result of temperament and environmental factors, combined. For example, a person’s genetics can affect their natural temperament, while environmental factors can exacerbate their risk of BPD.
Key risk factors that make a person more vulnerable to this condition include:
- Genetics and neurobiological factors
- Trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse
- Emotional neglect or lack of emotional attunement in childhood
- Invalidation throughout one’s upbringing
Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder
For BPD, therapy is the primary recommended form of treatment. Specifically, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) has been found to be highly effective in treating this condition. DBT teaches clients how to regulate emotions, tolerate distress, and build interpersonal connections. It focuses on building skills, stabilizing emotions, and developing healthy relationship patterns among those affected. Medications may also be used to mitigate or reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and impulsivity; however, there is not a medication that treats borderline personality disorder itself.
Borderline Personality Disorder vs. Bipolar Disorder: Key Differences
To summarize, both borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder can severely affect a person’s mood, emotional regulation, and quality of life. Both conditions should be treated with integrated, professional support. However, there are some important differences between these conditions:
- Timeline of symptoms: Bipolar disorder is episodic, meaning symptoms last for days or weeks. Meanwhile, BPD is rapid, in which emotional fluctuations and symptoms last hours to days.
- Causes and triggers: Bipolar disorder is caused by a person’s brain structure and genetics, though certain triggers (like lack of sleep) can cause symptoms to occur. Borderline personality disorder, on the other hand, is usually caused by combination of biological vulnerability and environmental factors. Symptoms of BPD—the high emotional reactivity—is usually triggered by something, too, such as unstable relationships.
- Defining Characteristics: Bipolar disorder is characterized by intense episodes of mania and depression, with stability and functioning in between. BPD, however, is often defined by unstable relationships, intense and rapidly-shifting emotions, as well as an unclear sense-of-self.
- Treatment Focus: While both disorders require professional treatment, bipolar disorder can be managed with therapy and medication. BPD, on the other hand, requires a blend of therapy approaches, such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, to help mitigate symptoms.
Getting the Support You Deserve
Due to their complexities, both borderline personality disorder (BPD) and bipolar disorder deserve professional mental health treatment. Upfront treatment, plus ongoing therapy and care, can drastically help manage symptoms and improve a person’s quality of life.
Treatment for BPD and bipolar disorder can involve a combination of therapy, support, and sometimes medication, though the specific approach will vary by case and individual. In fact, as you research treatment options, be sure to find a mental health treatment program that offers individualized support. The most effective treatment for these conditions is one that takes into consideration a person’s entirety of needs—physical, mental, emotional, social, legal, and behavioral.
While the specific treatment modalities will differ by individual, and by condition (as shown above), the sentiment remains the same. Both types of disorders can benefit from the following:
- Psychotherapy: For both disorders, therapy is a central component. It helps individuals develop coping strategies, manage emotions, and improve relationships.
- Professional monitoring: Regular appointments with therapists or other mental health providers can ensure treatment plans remain effective and are adjusted as needed.
- Support systems and routines: Structured environments, stable relationships, and predictable daily routines can enhance recovery for both conditions.
Whether you are struggling with bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder, we are here for you. Turnbridge is a recognized mental health treatment provider with programs for young adults and adolescents. Contact us at 877-581-1793 – We can help you back to a stable, fulfilling life.