Bipolar And Borderline Personality Disorder Dual Diagnosis
On this page, we’ll dive into a common question: Can you have BPD and bipolar? This question comes up time and time again, and there seems to be more confusion than is necessary around this topic.
To get right to the heart of the matter, we can say clearly from the start that, yes, you can have both of these conditions at the same time. This is known as a dual diagnosis, and it requires very specific, appropriate treatment to manage. Working with experienced mental health professionals who understand both of these mental health conditions is the first important step on the path forward.
If you would like to seek treatment for these conditions or any other kinds of personality disorders or anxiety disorders, call Icarus Wellness and Recovery Center today for assistance. We would be proud to create a customized treatment program that is perfectly tailored to the issues you are facing.
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Understanding the Hallmarks of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by dramatic shifts in mood and activity levels. There are two general categories of mood episodes that will be experienced by those with bipolar disorder.
Manic or Hypomanic Episodes
These are the periods of high energy, impulsive activity. People with this condition experience racing thoughts during these episodes and may wind up taking risks that they wouldn’t otherwise take. Sleep is hard to come by during a manic episode, and things like poor decisions that lead to substance abuse or other risky behaviors may continue to advance as the episode continues.
Depressive Episodes
You can think of these episodes as being just the opposite of the manic periods. During these times, sadness is often felt, and the individual may feel particularly hopeless about the future. There is also a powerful fatigue that can impact basic daily functioning.
During these times, the symptoms will look a lot like major depressive disorder, only a person with that condition would not also have the manic periods that are seen in bipolar disorder.
Defining Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
This is another type of mental health condition, but it is quite different from bipolar in a number of ways. Those who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder often experience some or all of the following issues.
Emotional Instability
This is a classic sign of borderline personality disorder, along with some other personality disorders. There are sudden, intense emotions and mood swings that can go from one end of the spectrum to the other. Hallucinations may also occur.
It will see that a person is fine and happy one moment, only to be dramatically angry or sad in the next moment. These swings can be triggered by stress or interpersonal relationships, although they can also seem to come out of nowhere.
Fear of Abandonment
A heightened sensitivity to rejection or loss can also come along with this diagnosis. This can have a negative impact on relationships, as there is inherently some degree of fear involved with becoming close to someone and worrying about them leaving at some point in the future.
Unstable Self Image
It’s hard for people with BPD to maintain a positive, stable sense of who they are and what they value in life. Receiving a correct diagnosis and getting treatment can start to make progress on this and some of the other symptoms that are commonly present.
Impulsive Behavior
Risky or harmful behaviors are also regularly seen with BPD. This could mean substance abuse disorders, intense relationships that quickly become sexual, rapid cycling through partners, and more.
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How Bipolar Disorder and BPD Overlap
As mentioned in the introduction to this page, it is possible to have both bipolar disorder and BPD at the same time. In fact, research has indicated that it’s actually somewhat common for people to have both of these conditions.
Both trauma and genetic predisposition can play a role in developing these mental health challenges, and when they exist together, treatment can be an uphill battle.
The fundamental issue is that symptoms can be more intense and harder to treat when both conditions are in place. Whether the problems stem from childhood abuse, sexual abuse, genetics, or any other cause, a good treatment plan will have to consider all of the variables in play. And, if the individual is dealing with suicidal behavior or suicidal ideation, it’s critical that treatment begin as soon as possible.
The Challenges of a BPD and Bipolar Dual Diagnosis
Let’s use this section to get a little further into the details of how a dual diagnosis like bipolar i disorder or bipolar ii disorder, along with borderline personality disorder, can be so tricky.
Diagnostic Confusion
As a starting point, having these two disorders present at the same time means there will be a mix of symptoms to navigate. It could be the case that one condition is diagnosed while the other is missed, at least at first.
Sorting out what kind of psychiatric illness is being faced is always a challenge, and it’s harder when there are actually two to identify.
Medication Complications
The use of mood stabilizers is a step in the right direction for bipolar disorder, but they might not do anything to help with BPD. So, finding the right mix of medications that work well together and get control over extreme mood swings can take experimentation and patience.
Increased Risk
The powerful combination of these conditions means depressive symptoms can be more intense and risk factors for self-harm and other negative outcomes are greater. The stakes are higher here than they are with just one condition to confront.
Strained Relationships
Either of these conditions alone can have a negative impact on relationships. When they are blended together, many of the relationships in an individual’s life may have been harmed along the way. Also, if there is a family history of mental illness, others may be fighting their own battles, and the situation will be even harder to navigate.
Effective Treatment Programs for Bipolar Disorder and BPD
It should be clear by now that having both bipolar and BPD is a major challenge. That’s not to say, however, that there is no hope for the future.
Whether these conditions have led to substance use disorders or the biggest problems are uncontrollable anger and chaotic relationships, there is a better path available with help.
Medication Management
Using medication is one of the best ways to turn the tide on personality disorders and bipolar disorders. There are a variety of different medication options available, including mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants.
Medication is not likely to be all that is required for proper treatment of this dual diagnosis, but it can get symptoms under control and set the stage for further progress.
Psychotherapy
Evidence-based treatments like Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy regularly play a big role in a treatment plan for bipolar and BPD. Some of the benefits of these therapies include improved coping skills, breaking harmful thought patterns, building healthier relationships, and more.
Lifestyle and Self-Care Strategies
A variety of lifestyle changes can help in this situation, as well. Things like having consistent routines will help with leveling out mood swings, while mindfulness and grounding techniques can also be beneficial.
Importantly, it’s also pivotal for people with these conditions to stay away from drugs or alcohol, as using those substances can make things much worse.
Overcoming the Challenges of Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder
It is absolutely possible to live a stable, fulfilling life while having this dual diagnosis. In most cases, success in navigating the path ahead will involve consistent treatment, having a strong support system, and recognizing triggers that typically worsen symptoms.
There is also an element of patience that shouldn’t be overlooked. Both the affected individual and those surrounding them need to be patient and realize that progress may take time and will often come in bursts. Eventually, small steps will add up to major gains, and the individual can find themselves in a much better place.
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Icarus Offers Effective Programs for Bipolar and BPD Treatment
Treating mental illness is always an urgent matter. Conditions like bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder aren’t things that resolve themselves, but they can be made better through intentional, appropriate care.
That care is available at Icarus Wellness and Recovery Center. Take a moment now to call and speak with one of our friendly admissions coordinators to learn more about the services available for yourself or a loved one. All outreach is confidential, so please don’t hesitate to pick up the phone for assistance.
