Posted by SLS on January 5, 2013, at 8:37:35
In reply to Re: BPD vs. Bipolar » brynb, posted by SLS on January 4, 2013, at 20:18:38
> Thanks for the input. I apologize, but reading through the responses and links still leave me confused as to the difference between BPD and Bipolar. Can't rapid cycling w/ bipolar mirror BPD? Is there one major distinguishing factor between the two?
>
> Thanks,
> bSome doctors are now placing borderline personality disorder (BPD) in the bipolar spectrum. I don't know if this is justified, but I'll let better minds than mine deal with the nosology.
BD and BPD often occur comorbidly, in which case the overlap in symptoms is quite large. However, each has a few symptoms that I believe are exclusive to that disorder.
Ultradian (several times a day) rapid cycling is rare in bipolar disorder (BD and occurs regardless of external events. The mood of BPD can vary acutely many times in one day in a pattern that is not cyclical. These mood changes are usually a reaction to external events, paticularly those that trigger feelings of abandonment. Mood can also change in response to shifting perceptions of self-image.
In people with BPD, the mood swings are more distinct than with BD. While people with bipolar disorder switch between periods of mania and major depression in which symptoms are global and occur together, the mood swings typical in BPD are more specific and can be limited. Fear of abandonment can rise and fall while feelings of sadness and anger remain low. Feelings of sadness can rise and fall while levels of fear remain low. Anger and fear can occur together or separately. Etcetera.
With bipolar mania, people often display pressured speech and racing thoughts as they jump from one idea to another. There is an increase in energy and goal oriented behavior. People take on many projects. However, distraction often prevents projects from being accomplished. There is a reduced need for sleep. 3 hours is often sufficient. Having an unrealistic belief in one's abilities is common - delusions of grandeur. Impulsivity and indulging in high-risk pleasurable behaviors often occur.
With bipolar depression, there is a lack of energy and drive. There is a global lack of interest or pervasive sadness. Cognitive impairments present as having problems concentrating, remembering, and making decisions. These things do not tend to change throughout the day.
Although difficult to tease out, it is important to establish directionality. Does a depressed mood change the perception of external events or do external events drive emotional reactions that include depressed mood?
I don't know if this helps at all. Hopefully, someone who has BPD will offer a more detailed description of what they experience with that disorder.
- Scott
Some see things as they are and ask why.
I dream of things that never were and ask why not.- George Bernard Shaw
poster:SLS
thread:1034646
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20121231/msgs/1034706.html