The terms bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder (BPD) are often used interchangeably. While both of these disorders involve intense emotions, can cause impulsive behaviours and challenges in relationships, they are not the same condition. The difference between the two is that bipolar is a mood disorder, whereas BPD is a personality disorder. This means that their underlying patterns differ.
Understanding these differences is important because the two conditions are assessed and treated differently.
A quick comparison: Bipolar vs BPD
A bipolar disorder is characterised by episodes of depression, mania or hypomania. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a personality disorder that affects emotional regulation, self-image, behaviours and relationships. Despite there being overlapping symptoms, they are separate mental health conditions.
Bipolar Disorder vs Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Key Differences
| Feature | Bipolar Disorder | Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) |
|---|---|---|
| Mood changes | Episodes lasting days, weeks or longer. | Rapid shifts lasting hours to days. |
| Triggers | May occur without a clear trigger. | Often linked to interpersonal stress or perceived rejection. |
| Between episodes | Many people return to their usual baseline. | Emotional difficulties may be more persistent. |
| Relationships | Can be affected during mood episodes. | Relationship instability is often a core feature. |
| Sense of self | Usually remains relatively stable. | Self-image may fluctuate significantly. |
| Treatment | Often includes medication and therapy. | Psychotherapy is usually central to treatment. |
BPD mood swings are reactive and interpersonal, while bipolar shifts are episodic, biologically driven and sustained.
Animo Sano Psychiatry
While bipolar and BPD can appear quite similar on a surface level, the way the symptoms develop, their duration, and the treatment support the person needs are different.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder causes episodes of depression, mania or hypomania. Episodes can affect someone’s everyday functioning, energy levels, behaviours or sleep. To be diagnosed as having bipolar you have to have experienced at least one episode of mania.
During a depressive episode, someone with bipolar disorder will experience a low mood, might feel indifferent or hopeless, withdraw socially, feel fatigued or battle to function. In contrast, while experiencing a manic or hypomanic episode, they are likely to need less sleep yet feel more energised and feel more confident. They might also be feeling restless or agitated and could be more impulsive or take bigger risks than usual. Between episodes, people return to a more stable baseline. For a more detailed explanation, read our guide to What is Bipolar Disorder?
What is BPD?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that involves intense and unstable emotions; however, it is not just about mood swings. BPD affects how someone sees themselves and their ability to interact with others. This is because it affects their ability to emotionally regulate, their behaviour and self-image. They might also have a strong fear of abandonment.
Why Bipolar and BPD get confused
It makes sense that bipolar disorder and BPD are often confused. They share symptoms such as impulsivity, emotional instability and relationship difficulties. Often, from the outside, they look like the same condition. However, the timing, triggers and overall patterns of symptoms differ significantly between someone who has bipolar vs someone with BPD.
Questions such as “how long symptoms last”, “whether they are triggered by events” and “what happens between episodes” help distinguish the two conditions.
Can you have Bipolar Disorder and BPD at the same time?
Yes, you can have a bipolar disorder and a borderline personality disorder at the same time. This means that for anyone with one or both disorders, it is very important to get a professional assessment so that a treatment plan can be tailored to their individual needs.
Getting the right support
It is important to get a professional mental health care diagnosis if you suspect you or someone else has bipolar disorder or BPD. This is because only a qualified professional can do an accurate assessment, during which they will evaluate symptoms, personal circumstances and family history. This will assist them to tailor a treatment plan which will help someone with the disorder thrive across all areas of their lives.
Often, bipolar disorder treatments are a combination of psychosocial therapy, medication and lifestyle interventions. Typically, BPD treatment plans include a strong emphasis on psychotherapy focused on emotional regulation, self-image and interpersonal relationships.
5 Common Support Strategies for Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- Professional Support: Assessments by a qualified mental health practitioner, counselling sessions, ongoing monitoring and individualised treatment plans.
- Psychological Therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness approaches.
- Lifestyle and Self-Management Support: Healthy eating, exercising and sleep patterns, establishing consistent daily activities and developing healthy coping mechanisms.
- Emotional Regulation Skills: Identifying triggers and learning how to express emotions healthily. Practising distress tolerance techniques, mindfulness and grounding exercises. Learning how to manage stress and build resilience.
- Building a Support Network: Getting support from family and friends, maintaining healthy boundaries and working on communication skills. When appropriate asking for reasonable accommodations at work.
Deepen your understanding of mental health
If you have an interest in supporting people living with bipolar disorder, BPD or other mental health challenges, SACAP offers several Applied Psychology study pathways that may interest you. Contact a SACAP Admissions Officer for more information or enrol online.
FAQ:
1. Are bipolar and BPD the same?
No, bipolar disorder and BPD are not the same mental health condition. Bipolar is a mood disorder that is characterised by episodes of depression, mania or hypomania. Borderline personality disorder is a personality disorder that affects someone’s emotional regulation, self-image and relationships.
2. How professionals tell the difference?
A professional will look at symptom patterns, triggers, duration and personal history to determine if someone has bipolar or BPD. Bipolar episodes can last days or weeks, whereas BPD is often associated with rapid emotions linked to someone’s reactions to their personal circumstances.
3. Can bipolar mood swings happen in minutes?
Most often, bipolar episodes last for days or weeks rather than a few minutes. Emotions that fluctuate throughout the day are usually associated with BPD as they often relate to emotional dysregulation.
4. Can someone be misdiagnosed?
Yes, it is possible to be misdiagnosed as both disorders have common symptoms. This is why a comprehensive diagnosis from a health care professional is an essential part of treating these disorders.
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