I have Bipolar type 2 and after reading some peoples posts and doing a bit of research on Borderline, I think I may have been wrongly diagnosed. I'm really confused. I think I may have it, but I'm not going to start the "I think I have it, I think I dont" thing, as I do that with a lot of things.
So I'm getting that the 2 are fairly similar, can somebody explain the obvious (or not so obvious) differences to me please? I posted in the "Personality Disorders" forum a couple of weeks ago but nobody has answered...
Thanks in advance...
The main difference is that:
Borderline is a Personality Disorder.
Bipolar Disorder is a chemical imbalance in the brain's neurotransmitters - the symptoms of which are mood related. There are distinct highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depressions). Usually in some sort of seasonal, or time related cycles.
Thats the basic difference.
(Not to mention by the way that you can have BOTH Bipolar AND BPD - much in the same way that someone that has diabetes might develop COPD.)
Well, not exactly.
I have Type I Bipolar which is the most severe form. And yet I do NOT have an anger issue and never have. I just have major Highs & Lows.
Borderline's are generally hostile & angry and may NEVER have a severe mood swing... just the presence or absence of the anger....
Good question!!
Wow Ruth I LOVE your description of a person with BPD!
The presence or absence of anger.
That is so PERFECT! My ex-boyfriend has BPD, and I am still recovering from that relationship, that I spent a year in.
Thanks Rose, I lived with a guy who was passive-aggressive, alcoholic & cross-addicted to drugs. Plus, jealous, possessive & full of anger.
It's 30 years later and I'M still recovering from THAT relationship!!
