1- What is the difference between bipolar and borderline?

Bipolar disorder causes long-lasting mood episodes, such as mania or depression. In contrast, borderline personality disorder (BPD) leads to fast and strong emotional changes. These changes often happen because of relationships or fears of abandonment.

2- What are the 9 symptoms of BPD?

Fear of being left alone, a distorted view of oneself, and impulsive actions create the situation. Other signs are self-harm, emotional highs and lows, and a constant feeling of emptiness. People may have unstable relationships, intense anger, and feel paranoid or disconnected when stressed.

3- Can a bipolar person live alone?

Yes, many people with bipolar disorder live independently with the right support, routine, and medical care. Having a safety plan and support system makes it easier.

4- What are BPD eyes?

“BPD eyes” is not a clinical term. However, some people use it to describe the intense or vacant look. This look can appear in someone with BPD during mood changes.

5- At what age does bipolar disorder start?

Bipolar disorder usually starts in the late teens to early adulthood, often between the ages of 18 and 25. But it can also appear earlier or later in life.

BPD symptoms can get much better with therapy and support. Many people experience fewer symptoms over time, especially with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

7- Can BPD be mistaken for bipolar?

Yes, both involve mood swings and impulsive behavior, but the timing, cause, and treatment are vastly different.

8- Are BPD and bipolar the same thing?

No. BPD is a personality disorder, while bipolar is a mood disorder. They have different causes, symptoms, and treatments.

9- Can therapy help with both conditions?

Yes. Therapy is crucial for both. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) helps with BPD, while CBT and medication work well for bipolar disorder. Therapy can also help people understand and manage both if they occur together.

10- Can you have both? BPD and bipolar comorbidity

Yes, it’s possible to have both BPD and bipolar disorder at the same time. A mental health professional can help diagnose and treat both conditions.

11- Can borderline turn into bipolar?

No, BPD doesn't “turn into” bipolar disorder. But sometimes, a doctor may later diagnose someone with BPD as bipolar if that person develops clear mood episodes.

Borderline vs Bipolar: Key Symptoms and Causes

Published: 20 May 2025

Do you find it challenging to understand the difference between Borderline vs Bipolar? People, even healthcare professionals, sometimes confuse these two mental health conditions.

A person with either of these two has extreme mood changes, impulsive behaviors, and difficulty in relationships. However, vastly different causes create them, and they follow different patterns.

By the end of this article, you will understand how Borderline and Bipolar disorders are different. We will cover their symptoms, causes, and treatments.

Table of Content

What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

Living with BPD can feel like you are stuck on an emotional rollercoaster that never stops, and you can’t even find the brakes. Emotions swing from high to low in minutes.

A personality disorder affects your ability to control and regulate your emotions. You may show extreme emotions and unstable and intense relationships. The brain changes the way it thinks.

Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder

Fear of Abandonment: Extreme fear of abandonment is common in people living with BPD. They push people away before getting close to avoid rejection.
Impulsive and Risky Behavior: It may lead you to engage in gambling, rash driving, unsafe sex, and drug abuse.
Wide Mood Swings: You may have quick mood swings. At once, you are extremely happy, and the next moment, you will be utterly irritable and feeling ashamed.
Unstable Sense of Self: You may often feel guilty and ashamed. You would ruin the relationship, discourage your achievements.
Suicidal Thoughts: You may cut, harm yourself. Fear of rejection or neglect may lead you to experience suicidal thoughts.
Paranoid Thoughts: You may have temporary feelings that everyone is against you, and everyone is conspiring to harm you.
Persistent fear of Hopelessness: You may have persistent fear of emptiness and feelings of being worthless.

Over time, symptoms usually become less severe or may go away completely.

A Quora user said how small rejections, like a friend not replying, triggered intense self-harming urges.

Causes of BPD

Many factors lead to BPD. It usually begins with early adulthood being more common in females.

Genetics: If your family has a history of BPD, you may have a higher chance of having it too. It often runs in families.
Childhood Trauma or Abuse: Many people with BPD have faced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse during their childhood. It could be maternal separation or poor paternal attachment as well.
Abandonment in Childhood: Feeling unloved or rejected early in life can lead to a fear of abandonment later.

Tip Box:

If you have had a difficult childhood or trauma, consider talking to a therapist, even if you are not sure you have BPD.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

The WHO reported that 40 million people had bipolar disorder in 2019. This is about 0.53% of the world’s population.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Think of bipolar disorder like extreme emotional seasons. A summer of mania exists, where everything feels bright, energetic, and fast. And then winter of depression hits you, where everything slows down, turns dark, and feels heavy.

Bipolar disorder, once known as “manic depression,” is a mood disorder. It causes mood changes that can go from extreme joy and energy to deep sadness and hopelessness.

People suffering from Bipolar disorder can be in the mental state of:

Mania or Hypomania – being extremely excited, talkative, and even mentally away from reality.
Depression (Internal-Linking– being profoundly sad, feeling empty, hopeless, tired, and even having suicidal thoughts.
Euthymia – a normal mental condition when the person is not suffering from either mania or depression.

A 28-year-old shared on Reddit how he felt like a “superhuman” during manic phases. He took significant risks and made ambitious plans. Then, he would crash into weeks of deep depression.

Types of Bipolar Disorder:

Bipolar disorder is divided based on the intensity and severity of the symptoms of manic and hypomanic episodes. Manic episodes have more severe symptoms than hypomanic episodes.

Bipolar I Disorder: You may have bipolar 1 if you have had one manic episode that lasted over a week. Some people also have depressive episodes, but not everyone does.
Bipolar II Disorder: It is a milder form with always has depressive episodes. In bipolar 2, you may experience the symptoms of hypomanic episodes lasting for a few days. You may feel ‘extra energetic’ but still get your work done and then slip into weeks of crying and isolation.
Cyclothymic disorder: People living with this disorder may have shorter periods of hypomanic and depressive episodes. The least severe form of bipolar disorder exists.

Causes of Bipolar

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is still unknown. But there are a few factors that can trigger it in vulnerable people. These are:

Genetics
Severe stress
Usage of drugs
Consumption of Alcohol

Borderline vs Bipolar: Key Differences

Both mental health conditions may seem to be the same, apparently, but they are totally different. The following are some key differences between them.

Feature	Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)	Bipolar Disorder
Mood Patterns	Mood changes happen quickly, often within hours	Mood episodes last for days to weeks
Triggers	Triggered by interpersonal conflicts or fear of abandonment	Often, there is no clear external trigger
Behavioral Traits	Impulsivity is driven by emotional pain or fear	Impulsivity is linked to manic or hypomanic episodes
Self-Image	Unstable and frequently shifting sense of self	Generally stable self-image between episodes
Relationships	Intense, unstable, push-pull dynamic	May feel distant or overly attached during episodes
Emotional Regulation	Poor regulation; emotions feel overwhelming and hard to manage	Changes in mood are more cyclical and episode-based
Sleep Patterns	Disrupted by emotional distress or anxiety	Reduced need for sleep during manic phases
Risk Behaviors	More frequent and tied to emotional pain (e.g., self-harm)	Often linked to manic states (e.g., reckless spending)
Treatment Approach	Psychotherapy is the first-line treatment (DBT, trauma therapy)	Medication is essential (mood stabilizers, antipsychotics)
Insight/Awareness	Often aware of emotional pain, but may not understand the cause	Insight may be limited during mania, but returns in stable periods
Episode Duration	Emotional episodes last hours to a day	Manic or depressive episodes last days to weeks

Think of BPD as emotionally more sensitive to relationships, while bipolar is more about internal mood cycles.

Bipolar and BPD together: Symptoms

People usually confuse both for a reason. Both disorders have some common symptoms.

Mood Swings: Both conditions show noticeable mood changes, although their severity and duration vary.
Impulsivity: Individuals suffering from either show impulsive behaviours like reckless driving, indulgence in drug usage, etc.
Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors: Unfortunately, both disorders come with a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and self-harm
Irritability or Anger: Individuals with either disorder show a burst of anger and irritability.
Relationship Struggles: Both can cause intense or unstable relationships. This can happen when a person withdraws during depression (bipolar) or fears abandonment (BPD).

Which one is More Severe: Bipolar Disorder or BPD?

Both are serious mental disorders affecting the person differently. Comparing both is not simple.

BPD lasts longer and can cause more serious disability. Bipolar disorder responds better to treatment. However, this depends on how early treatment begins.

Tip

Instead of comparing, focus on the right diagnosis. That is what brings the right treatment.

Experts’ Opinions

Marsha Linehan, PhD, ABPP, is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Washington, says,

People with BPD are like people with third-degree burns over 90% of their bodies. Lacking emotional skin, they feel agony at the slightest touch or movement

Dian Grier, LCSW. says,

Individuals with BPD push people away to avoid intimacy, then fear losing them and pull them back. “All about emotional safety.

Recent Studies

BPD and Suicide: Recent studies from 2024 show that about 5.9% of people with BPD die by suicide. This rate is higher than in other personality disorders.
Bipolar Genetics: The findings of recent studies on bipolar disorder suggest a strong genetic link in bipolar disorder.

Common Myths About BPD and Bipolar

Many myths exist about BPD and Bipolar disorders.

❌ 1. “BPD and Bipolar Disorder are the same.”

✅ Not true. Both seem the same, but are totally different. BPD is a personality disorder, while Bipolar is a mood disorder.

❌2. “People with BPD are just manipulative.”

✅ This is an incorrect stereotype. Many behaviors in BPD stem from strong emotional pain, fear of being left alone, and a deep need for connection. They do not come from a wish to control others.

❌3. “Bipolar mood swings happen several times a day.”

✅ Not quite. Bipolar mood episodes usually last for a few days to even weeks. Quick emotional shifts throughout the day are more common in BPD.

Borderline and Bipolar Diagnosis

Borderline is difficult to diagnose. You may lack the insights that you have disruptive behaviors and thought patterns. A healthcare provider diagnoses it by asking you some questions. They will focus on your family’s mental health history.

For bipolar, you may have a physical exam to determine the cause behind your symptoms. After that, you will meet with a psychiatrist. They will ask you questions to understand your behavior, thoughts, and feelings.

Tip
Track your mood daily using a simple app or notebook. It helps doctors spot patterns and speed up diagnosis.

Borderline vs Bipolar Test

No single test can diagnose either disorder. Only a licensed mental health professional can do that after a full evaluation.

However, self-assessments can be helpful starting points. These usually ask about:

Mood patterns (How fast they shift, what triggers them)
Impulsivity
Relationships
Sleep and energy changes
Self-harming thoughts or behaviors

Treatment Plan for BPD vs Bipolar

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong disorder that requires vigilant treatment. But for BPD, the FDA has not approved any medication; therapists only provide psychotherapy.

Treatment for BPD

Psychotherapy, particularly Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (internal Linking) is a commonly practiced treatment for BPD, focusing on changing the behavioral pattern.

DPT is a type of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). In DBT, people with BPD learn about stress management, emotional control, and relationship skills.
Sometimes medication can be the option to control the symptoms.

Tip

Don’t expect overnight results. Healing takes time, so be patient and consistent.

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

To treat bipolar disorder, doctors prescribe lithium as the first line of treatment. To manage the symptoms, doctors prescribe different medications, including:

Mood Stabilizers
Antidepressants
Atypical Antipsychotics
Sedatives

For insane depressive or manic episodes, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is also considered.

Final Thoughts on Borderline vs Bipolar

BPD and bipolar disorder are both serious mental health issues. They can greatly impact how you feel, think, and connect with others. Although these disorders share some common symptoms, they differ and require different treatments.

Understanding the differences between Borderline vs Bipolar is the first step toward getting the right help and support. With proper support, therapy, and, in some cases, medication, people with either condition can live stable, fulfilling lives.

FAQs: Borderline vs Bipolar

1- What is the difference between bipolar and borderline?
Bipolar disorder causes long-lasting mood episodes, such as mania or depression. In contrast, borderline personality disorder (BPD) leads to fast and strong emotional changes. These changes often happen because of relationships or fears of abandonment.
2- What are the 9 symptoms of BPD?
Fear of being left alone, a distorted view of oneself, and impulsive actions create the situation. Other signs are self-harm, emotional highs and lows, and a constant feeling of emptiness. People may have unstable relationships, intense anger, and feel paranoid or disconnected when stressed.
3- Can a bipolar person live alone?
Yes, many people with bipolar disorder live independently with the right support, routine, and medical care. Having a safety plan and support system makes it easier.
4- What are BPD eyes?
“BPD eyes” is not a clinical term. However, some people use it to describe the intense or vacant look. This look can appear in someone with BPD during mood changes.
5- At what age does bipolar disorder start?
Bipolar disorder usually starts in the late teens to early adulthood, often between the ages of 18 and 25. But it can also appear earlier or later in life.
6- Does BPD go away?
BPD symptoms can get much better with therapy and support. Many people experience fewer symptoms over time, especially with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
7- Can BPD be mistaken for bipolar?
Yes, both involve mood swings and impulsive behavior, but the timing, cause, and treatment are vastly different.
8- Are BPD and bipolar the same thing?
No. BPD is a personality disorder, while bipolar is a mood disorder. They have different causes, symptoms, and treatments.
9- Can therapy help with both conditions?
Yes. Therapy is crucial for both. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) helps with BPD, while CBT and medication work well for bipolar disorder. Therapy can also help people understand and manage both if they occur together.
10- Can you have both? BPD and bipolar comorbidity
Yes, it’s possible to have both BPD and bipolar disorder at the same time. A mental health professional can help diagnose and treat both conditions.
11- Can borderline turn into bipolar?
No, BPD doesn’t “turn into” bipolar disorder. But sometimes, a doctor may later diagnose someone with BPD as bipolar if that person develops clear mood episodes.

References

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📚 Sources

1- Mayo Clinic – Borderline personality disorder

2- Mayo Clinic – Bipolar Disorder

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