Question

Compare and contrast bipolar disorder to borderline personality disorder. How are they alike? How are they different? -- In essay form.

Answer 1

Bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder may often share similar symptoms, and the symptoms may also overlap with each other This makes it sometimes difficult to diagnose these both disorders. Bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder share symptoms such as frequent fluctuation in mood, impulsive behavior, suicidal ideas, ,low self esteem and low self confidence.

The main difference between these two disorders is that bipolar disorder is primarily a mood disorder and can cause manic episodes, followed by depressive episodes and changes in the quality of sleep. Whereas, borderline personality disorder is personality disorder which is long standing and the symptoms are consistent. These symptoms which differentiate it from bipolar disorder are self harm behavior, feelings of emptiness and difficulty in sustaining relationships.