Understanding Bipolar Disorder
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by mood swings and rapid energy changes.
Individuals with bipolar disorder experience shifts in mood far beyond the ordinary emotional ups and downs of ordinary life. These extreme mood changes cause significant challenges to daily life.
At Sage Recovery & Wellness Center, we understand that bipolar disorder is a mental illness that makes every day more difficult, and we offer treatment options that can help you improve your mental health and well-being.
Is Bipolar Disorder a Personality Disorder?
No, bipolar disorder is not a personality disorder.
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder, characterized by episodes that last weeks or months that shift due to biological or chemical changes. This differs from a personality disorder, in which changes in mood are due to stress or interpersonal relationships.
Additionally, mood shifts found in a personality disorder last a shorter period of time compared to those found in a mood disorder.
What Is Bipolar Disorder Like?
Bipolar disorder has symptoms with similarities to borderline personality disorder (BPD), depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizoaffective disorder.
These mental health conditions all share changes in energy levels, mood, impulsivity, and periods of depressive episodes.
What Are the Types of Bipolar Disorder?
There are three types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.
Individuals with bipolar I disorder experience at least one manic episode that is seven days or longer, or requires hospitalization. Major depression often occurs in bipolar I, but it is not necessary for a diagnosis.
Bipolar II disorder is characterized by depressive episodes, without ever experiencing a significant manic episode. Instead, individuals with bipolar II experience hypomanic episodes, which are a mild elevation of mood and energy.
Typically, individuals with bipolar II spend more time in depressive states compared to those with bipolar I, and experience hypomania.
Cyclothymic disorder is a milder version of bipolar disorder. It is characterized by persistent, fluctuating hypomanic and depressive symptoms lasting at least two years. These symptoms are not severe enough to meet the full criteria for a hypomanic or depressive episode.
Causes of Bipolar Disorder
What Are the Main Causes of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder has no single known cause but is often associated with a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
For example, imbalances in dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline in the brain are linked to sudden and extreme changes in mood, impulsive behavior, and episodes of mania. Additionally, sudden shifts in brain structure impact emotional regulation and can lead to unstable mood episodes.
Is Bipolar Disorder Genetic?
Yes, bipolar disorder is often associated with genetic risk factors.
Having a family history of bipolar disorder increases your chance of developing the disorder ten times when compared to the general population.
Even so, a family history of bipolar disorder does not guarantee you will develop bipolar disorder. While genetics can be passed on, environmental factors also influence whether you will or will not develop bipolar disorder.
Is Bipolar Disorder Caused By Trauma?
Trauma is not a direct cause of bipolar disorder, but is considered a significant trigger and risk factor for its development.
For example, stress or trauma can trigger the onset of manic or depressive episodes, especially if you have a biological predisposition. Additionally, childhood trauma is strongly linked to the development of bipolar disorder later in life.
At Sage Recovery & Wellness Center, we offer treatment plans that can help you heal from past trauma and improve your mental health.
What Triggers Bipolar Episodes?
Triggers for bipolar episodes can include trauma, stress, changes in sleep patterns, substance abuse, or hormonal changes.
Working with a mental health professional helps decrease the likelihood of being triggered by providing you with an accurate diagnosis, clarity on your needs, and tools to manage your mental health.
Can Substance Use Cause Bipolar Disorder?
While substance use does not cause bipolar disorder, it can trigger, mimic, or worsen its symptoms.
Drugs and alcohol can trigger the first manic or depressive episode, create “substance-induced mood disorder,” or exacerbate pre-existing symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
What Are the Signs of Bipolar Disorder?
Signs of bipolar disorder are generally categorized into two mood states: depression and mania.
Depressive symptoms may include:
- Intense sadness
- Hopelessness
- Social isolation
- Sleeping too much or too little
Symptoms of a manic episode may include:
- Euphoria
- Extreme irritability
- Reckless behavior
- Racing thoughts
- Fast speech
- Delusions or hallucinations in severe cases
Hypomanic symptoms are similar to those of manic episodes, but are less severe.
What Are Some Symptoms of Bipolar Depression to Notice?
Bipolar depression symptoms include lasting sadness, feelings of emptiness, suicidal thoughts, and a lack of interest in activities.
Depressive symptoms can also include decreased self-image or self-worth and changes in your ordinary sleep and energy patterns.
How Do I Recognize a Bipolar Manic Episode?
Bipolar manic episode symptoms may include racing thoughts, intense anger, impulsivity, psychosis, and a decreased need for sleep.
Additionally, manic episodes cause an increased sense of self and high energy.
Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
What Is BPD?
BPD is a personality disorder that causes mood shifts and instability in your sense of self and relationships.
Those with BPD commonly experience fear of abandonment and are prone to self-harm.
Is BPD a Mood Disorder?
No, BPD is a personality disorder, while bipolar disorder is a mood disorder.
As a personality disorder, BPD causes changes in relationships, self-image, and behavior.
Is BPD a Form of Psychosis?
No, BPD is not a form of psychosis.
Individuals with BPD can experience psychosis, causing paranoia and dissociation.
What Are The Types of BPD?
Types of BPD include discouraged borderline personality disorder, impulsive borderline personality disorder, petulant borderline personality disorder, and self-destructive borderline personality disorder.
Causes of Borderline Personality Disorder
What Triggers Borderline Personality?
Common triggers of BPD include trauma, sudden changes in routine, conflict, and rejection.
Conflict and rejection can be both actual or perceived, with rejection being the most common trigger.
Is BPD Inherited From Mother or Father?
BPD is not inherited from one parent exclusively.
A complex combination of genetics and environmental factors influences an individual’s risk of developing BPD.
Can Trauma Cause BPD?
Yes, trauma can cause BPD.
When you have a predisposition for BPD, trauma, especially trauma in childhood, increases your risk of developing BPD.
Signs & Symptoms of BPD
What Are Some Signs of BPD?
Signs of BPD include emotional instability, self-harm, and impulsivity.
Additional signs include temporary paranoia and instability in relationships.
What Are the Common Symptoms of BPD?
Common symptoms of BPD include chronic emptiness, fear or abandonment, and identity disturbance.
Individuals with BPD commonly experience rapid mood swings, inappropriate anger, and suicidal ideation or self-harm.
Do I Have Borderline Personality Disorder?
Knowing if you have BPD can be difficult, and the best course of action is to seek a diagnosis from a mental health professional.
At Sage Recovery & Wellness Center, we understand that the first step of healing is understanding your mental health challenges. Our high-level clinicians diagnose mental health disorders as the first step to treatment. A correct diagnosis gives you the clarity needed to seek treatment that is appropriate and helpful for long-term recovery.
Manic Depression vs BPD
Is Borderline Personality Disorder the Same as Bipolar Disorder?
No, BPD and bipolar disorder are two different mental health disorders.
BPD and bipolar disorder have some similar symptoms, including suicidal behavior, emotional dysregulation, psychosis, and fluctuations in mood. Additionally, both disorders greatly impact your mental health and quality of life.
What Are the Key Differences Between Manic Depression and Borderline Personality Disorder?
BPD is a personality disorder, while manic depression or bipolar disorder is a mood disorder.
Individuals with BPD experience rapid shifts in mood, commonly triggered by a fear of abandonment and interpersonal stress. Symptoms of manic depression include changes in mood that last for weeks or months.
Can You Have BPD and Bipolar Disorder?
Yes, you can have co-occurring BPD and bipolar disorder.
When BPD and manic depression occur together, they often cause worsened symptoms. Fortunately, treatment is available to manage these symptoms. At Sage Recovery & Wellness Center, we offer treatment to address BPD, bipolar disorder, and co-occurring BPD and bipolar disorder.
Do People With BPD Experience Mania?
Yes, people with BPD often experience mania.
Mania causes increased energy, impulsivity, and recklessness. When compared to the mania experienced by individuals with bipolar disorder, mania in BPD is significantly shorter in duration. Additionally, it is often caused by stress or interpersonal challenges.
Diagnosis for Bipolar Disorder & BPD
How Is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?
Bipolar disorder is diagnosed by a psychiatrist through clinical tests.
A healthcare provider administers multiple tests that provide a clear outline of symptoms and their duration. Using multiple clinical tests, a clinician is able to identify and diagnose bipolar disorder.
How Is BPD Diagnosed?
BPD is also diagnosed through psychiatric clinical tests.
These tests look at symptoms such as relationship dynamics, emotional dysregulation, mood, and more.
At Sage Recovery & Wellness Center, we understand the value of a diagnosis. Our providers bring education and expertise to the table, allowing them to administer multiple diagnostic tests.
Are People Sometimes Misdiagnosed With BPD When They Have Bipolar?
Yes, people are commonly misdiagnosed with BPD when they have bipolar disorder, or vice versa.
Due to the crossover of symptoms, primarily that both disorders cause mood swings that impact your ability to thrive in daily life, misdiagnosis is common. Unfortunately, a misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment.
Can BPD and Bipolar Disorder be Diagnosed Together?
Yes, BPD and bipolar disorder can be diagnosed together.
Robust psychiatric testing is necessary to diagnose BPD or bipolar disorder. For a diagnosis of a co-occurring disorder, even more testing is needed.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
What Therapies Help Treat Bipolar Disorder?
Psychotherapies that help treat bipolar disorder include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family-focused therapy (FFT).
CBT helps you shift patterns in your life. By addressing patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and actions, you are better able to manage recurring symptoms.
FFT helps you and your family address challenges at home, building a better support system for your mental health.
Can Medication Help Treat Bipolar Disorder?
Yes, psychiatry is commonly useful in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
Commonly used medications include antipsychotics and mood stabilizers, such as lithium. Working with a psychiatrist to find the best medication fit is important.
At Sage Recovery & Wellness Center, we offer medication management to help you integrate both psychotherapy and medication into a cohesive treatment plan.
Will I Need Medication for Bipolar Disorder?
Possibly. Your treatment plan will be unique and may not incorporate medication.
The most effective treatment for bipolar disorder is individualized care. Medications can play an important role in a treatment plan for some, while for others, they are unnecessary.
Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment
What Therapies Help Treat BPD?
Therapies that help treat BPD include dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and mentalization-based therapy (MBT).
In psychotherapy for BPD, you learn how to manage your mood swings and increase tolerance to instability. Additionally, you learn skills to better navigate interpersonal relationships, which are often a common source of stress for those with BPD.
Is BPD Treatable With Medication?
Both mood stabilizers and antidepressants can help individuals with BPD, alongside psychotherapy.
Typically, evidence-based BPD treatment incorporates both psychotherapy and medication. Medication alone does not address behavioral patterns and interpersonal stress, but can help to provide improved stability.
Will I Need Medication for BPD?
Medication is rarely used in BPD treatment.
BPD treatment typically incorporates psychotherapy and education. These work together to help you evaluate your reactions, stabilize your emotions, and ultimately improve your well-being.
FAQs
Can people grow out of BPD?
Yes, people can grow out of BPD.
BPD is considered a long-term chronic mental illness. Commonly, people go into remission for BPD due to increasing age or getting treatment. Over time, you may no longer meet the criteria for BPD.
Remission for BPD looks like a significant decrease in symptoms. This allows you to live a full life, free from the instability that commonly occurs due to BPD.
Treatment is often a key factor in achieving remission. In treatment, you learn how to better care for your needs and develop coping skills. Over time, these skills become incorporated into how you move through your life.
Even after you no longer fit into the criteria for BPD, you may continue to have challenges with interpersonal relationships, but these issues will be significantly easier to manage.
What is the BPD favorite person cycle?
The BPD favorite person cycle is an unhealthy pattern in relationships commonly found in individuals with BPD.
In the BPD favorite person cycle, you put an individual on a pedestal, viewing them as perfect and immediately attaching a high amount of value to them. Due to this intense connection, you may feel a great fear of abandonment and begin to test your relationship with increasing demands. If demands are not met, you may quickly switch to hatred.
Over time, the relationship becomes chaotic, causing the individual who was originally on the pedestal to step away. This can lead to you feeling abandoned and in crisis.
Overall, this pattern of relationships increases symptoms, preventing you from developing healthy relationships that support your mental, physical, and social well-being.
Can you live a normal life with bipolar disorder?
Yes, people with bipolar disorder can live a fulfilling and normal life with the correct treatment.
Bipolar disorder causes severe shifts in mood, energy, and focus. If you have bipolar disorder, it does not mean that you cannot live a normal life. Effective treatment, including therapy and medication, can help you regulate your mood. As a result of treatment, you can live a full life, connect with others, and find success.
What should you avoid if you have bipolar disorder?
If you have bipolar disorder, you should avoid sudden changes in schedule and substances.
A schedule that improves overall health, including a regular sleep routine and a healthy diet, helps reduce episodes by creating biological consistency. Sudden changes in this schedule can cause significant changes in the body and brain, which often result in triggering either a manic or depressive episode.
Substance use, both drugs and alcohol, causes a shift in neurotransmitters in the brain. As a result, it is important to avoid drug and alcohol use, which can trigger changes in mood.
Additional things to avoid include sudden changes in medication without a doctor’s explicit instructions and high stress. Both medication changes and stress can cause a sudden change in brain chemistry, which can result in changes in mood and episodes of mania or depression.