What are the differences between BP & Schizophrenia? - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

suddenlyhere · 03-15-2007, 03:26 PM

Hi All,
Can someone tell me the difference between BP & Schizophrenia please. Are there any defining symptoms that separate the two.
Thankyou!

tsohl · 03-15-2007, 03:56 PM

Hi Suddenly,

I'll take a crack at that question with a very much simplified explanation.

First, there are many similarities between the two. Both experience episodes of mania and depression. Both conditions respond to antipsychotic medication, and both frequently involve psychotic symptoms like delusions and hallucinations. However, schizophrenia almost always also involves disorders of thinking and the periods of paranoid delusions and of hallucinations is much more prevalent. What we think of as "mood swings" is more common in bipolarity. People with BP can be treated with mood stabilizers such as lithium, and no other medication, but this isn't possible with schizophrena. In other words, if there is a patient who might be bipolar or schizophrenic and the diagnosis is not clear, they can use medication to test the diagnosis -- only the bipolar patient will respond to a mood stabilizer and also to electroconvulsive therapy. Thoughts and behaviors are disorganized in a schizophrenic person, and he is usually perceived as being really "strange" and "odd", sometimes "frightening."

Schizophrenia is considered the most severe of the mental illnesses. Does this help any?

tsohl · 03-15-2007, 03:59 PM

To me a defining behavior would be that the schizophrenic often thinks really outlandish, impossible things are happening...like aliens are sleeping in the next room, stealing his toothpaste, or the planet is being invaded and he will be the only person allowed to continue living. People with bipolar can have unusual ideas, but they usually aren't so extreme and they have some basis in reality, even though you might not believe what they are saying....

Did you have your confrontation with the parents? We haven't heard from you in awhile.

Tsohl

tsohl · 03-15-2007, 04:01 PM

Speaking of disorganized thinking...

another thing: the hallucinations are much less common in BPers. All schizophrenics hear voices, or see weird things that aren't really there. BPers may have brief hallucinations or for a short period of time, but it isn't a major component of their disorder.

suddenlyhere · 03-15-2007, 05:27 PM

Hi Tsohl,

Thanks for trying to clarify the difference for me. I am still a bit confused though!

I am feeling exhausted, just so emotionally drained. I am trying to refocus myself, and get my strength back. Thanks for asking - you are always so helpful, knowlegable, and supportive. Thank you.