Bipolar and Borderline Personality: Symptoms and Treatment

Frequent mood disorder and abnormal behavior change are the growing concerns of people in all the social segments. Most of times, these developments and associated problems are ignored by taking these just as the result of work stress or fatigue but the reality is far from this misconception. Bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder (BPD) are the fast-growing psychological problems in men and women both. Even the children also suffer from these psychological problems but their changed behavior is generally taken as the change because of growing age.

The low awareness about bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder is the key reason that high numbers of people continue to suffer disturbing their personal and professional life. Secondly, some symptoms of bipolar disorder and BPD overlap each other; therefore, it becomes tough to diagnose the particular psychological problem. Here comes the role of qualified and experienced Psychotherapist but you too need to know the basics of bipolar disorder and BPD to get the best results of psychotherapy.

TenPrime Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder You Might Be Ignoring:

Bipolar disorder is primarily characterized by the extreme mood swings because of mania and depression.

You might be having bipolar disorder, if you experience following symptoms:

* Feeling sad and hopeless
* Feeling short of energy
* Difficulty in concentrating
* Loss of interest in daily activities
* Feeling worthless with suicidal thoughts
* Feeling guilty, despaired and delusional
* Low confidence
* Lack of sleep
* Being irritated
* Taking risky and harmful decisions

Ten Prime Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) You Might Be Ignoring:

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is the mental illness often caused by genetics, and serotonin abnormalities and environmental factors. You might be having BPD, if you experience following symptoms:

* Frequently change in interests
* Tendency to view things as all bad or all good
* Pattern of unstable relationships
* Unstable and distorted self-image
* Self-harming behavior
* Suffering with depression, anger and anxiety
* Frequent thoughts to suicide
* Fear of being alone
* Frequent mood swings
* Not accepting realities

Bipolar Disorder V/S Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – The Difference:

Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder and BPD – If You Have the Both:

People suffering with any psychological disorder may have either of bipolar disorder and BPD or both. Dual diagnose needs a perfectionist Psychotherapist. The symptoms common between bipolar disorder and BPD include:

* Impulsive actions
* Extreme emotional reactions
* Suicidal behaviors

Bipolar Disorder Treatment:

For bipolar disorder treatment, the evaluation and diagnose processes include physical exam, mood charting, psychiatric assessment and bipolar disorder criteria as per DSM-5, published by the American Psychiatric Association. Bipolar disorder treatment is directed by the diagnosed symptoms and their intensity. Generally, bipolar disorder treatment course involves different streams:

– Medication – Mood stabilizers, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and antipsychotics are used according to diagnosed symptoms.
– Psychotherapy – Different types of psychotherapy including talk, family and group therapies are used to address the particular problem.
– Alternative treatment – It includes electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
– Sleep medications – It is administered if sleep problem is found causing bipolar disorder problem.

BPD – Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment:

Drugs are moderately helpful for reducing particular BPD symptoms such as depression and anxiety but these don’t address the core behaviors and personality traits. Psychotherapy is the mainstay of BPD treatment. The diagnose process involves detailed interview with Psychotherapist, psychological evaluation, discussion about symptoms.

Borderline personality disorder is generally treated through psychotherapy but medication may be included to normalize excessive problem. The goals of BPD psychotherapy are to help youmanage emotions, reduce impulsiveness by observing the feelings rather than acting immediately, improve the relationshipsand focus on abilities.

Different Types of Psychotherapy for Bipolar Disorder & BPD Treatment:

Which type of psychotherapy you need is the matter to decide by the Psychotherapist. The more in use psychotherapy types used to treat numbers of common symptoms of bipolar disorder & BPD (either or both) are:

> Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – Group & individual therapy
> Schema-focused therapy – To reduce negative life patterns
> Mentalization-based therapy (MBT) – Emphasizes on think before reacting
> Transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) – Also called psychodynamic psychotherapy helps to understand emotions and related interpersonal difficulties
> Systems training for problem-solving with predictability – A 3-4 weeks program

Concluding Note:

Symptoms associated with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder may be challenging but you can manage these by cooperating with Psychotherapist. Before you approach the Psychotherapist to treat bipolar disorder or BPD, make a list of problems you experience. Ask as many questions as you want before starting your treatment because faith in Psychotherapist encourages you follow the guidelines with honesty.