How to Tell the Difference Between Borderline Personality Disorder & Bipolar Disorder

[@johnryan263]

The way you effectively deal with 'complex subjects' with such a high level of structure is mind blowing. Never seen anything like it. I am truly amazed. I feel ready sad for anyone suffering from either of these two disorders it must be really really difficult. Empathy seems so ineffective and limiting. I find understanding more encompassing which may lead to new possibilities. As the world is becoming more complex there arises a psychological need for more structure (just my opinion). Yet in society the opposite is happening. Social structures, codes and norms are definitely breaking down. If parents are unable to provide a high level of appropriate healthy structure within the family social environment I can see how these disorders 'may' arise. The problem with my theory above is that in order to confront a more complex world with a need for more psychological structure there needs to be a certain high level of intelligence. More complexity + (less structure +less intelligence) = mental disorders. Whatever a disorder a person may have they are not responsible for causing it. In fact I would say that mental disorders are an unfortunate 'natural' outcome of the society we live in. Disclosure: I am a person with several mental disorders so if anyone should read this please free to discard/disregard any of my comments as delusional or symptomatic.

[@rightnow5839]

John Ryan Actually what you wrote makes sense 😊

[@lidahall5928]

_Please feel free to disregard my comments"!_ Oh, wow - your comment may well be one of the most cogent I've ever seen on the entire platform. Incredibly insightful.

[@jocelynastheart2732]

I was diagnosed with BPD years ago, and, its pure hell living with the feelings and thoughts that I have.

[@windowgirl7300]

I understand. BPD is more common than most think. NO MATTER WHAT- always LOVE yourself!!

[@PluviophileTraveller]

I'm training to become a mental health counselor and this is very helpful! I love that I'll have your videos to look back on and keep up with for insight and refreshers when I'm done with my training.

[@DrGrande]

I'm so glad you find my videos helpful!

[@sodakhan5463]

I spent years being told I had bipolar when I had more of the symptoms of BPD. The mood stabiliser really messed me up and it took me three years to get off of it! The withdrawals were awful. I just found out I don’t have either though even though I meet most of the symptoms for both 😅 I actually just found out I have Autism.

[@sapphirepokemonfan]

Autism is highly comorbid with bipolar and schizophrenia, they have a very similar brain signature studies have shown.

[@grey3871]

I'm sorry that happened to you thats awful! I'm glad you got the propper diagnosis👍

[@babygrandma8654]

I can definitely relate to what you've stated. I've only recently been able to get a medical professional to diagnose me correctly. I've been to some real quacks I guess because it shouldn't take an adult woman over 30 years of being diagnosed with an array of disorders and being prescribed numerous medications to finally find a doctor who would actually sit with me for over 1 hour and talk about everything I've had to deal with in my life, listen to why I did this or that and how it made me feel. It seemed as if the other medical professionals were in it for the money because they would talk AT me for 20-30 minutes tops and miraculously be able to diagnose me. I always knew something wasn't right when the diagnosis was the flavor of the day. I could go to 1 doctor on Monday and tell them what I'm experiencing and then go to a different doctor on Friday again telling them exactly what I said on Monday and walk away with 2 totally different diagnoses and different prescriptions. I wouldn't fill the scripts because deep down I knew they were not the right medicine for me. A few years back I started watching KZbin videos of ppl who are diagnosed with autistim/Asperger syndrome as well as the other things with which I'd been told I have and what I heard those ppl say was as if they had lived my life. The BELLS went off🔔🛎🔔🛎🔔 like a 5 alarm fire. "Finally!!" I jumped up and yelled "I have aspergers! I'm not crazy!" Since that day its as if the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders. I guess its rare to have a medical professional actually talk with you instead of talking AT you. If anyone is interested, a few of the other channels I found very helpful are 1) The Aspie World 2)Aspergers from the Inside 3)Yo Samdy Sam And of course right here on this channel there's loads of information. **Just a side note** If anyone reading this wants more information on the narcissist and narcissistic behavior to supplement this channel you may enjoy and find useful a channel called HG Tudor. He has loads of videos with no pictures/video so listening to him while driving is not distracting for me with my autism . I hope this comment helps at least 1 person if not many people. 🕊💛🕯🙏

[@anne-louisegoldie]

@@sapphirepokemonfan is it? Can you say which studies? Thank you 😊xx

[@lknol3098]

@@sapphirepokemonfan I'm highly interested, do you have a source by chance?

[@OnsceneDC]

THANK YOU!!! I have a sibling who has been diagnosed with Bipolar 2 disorder, and maintaining a relationship has been near impossible. I've done a lot of research on both disorders and I believe she has BPD. She was hospitalized for a length of time several years ago and despite being "treated," she doesn't seem to be improving. Although our mother has not been formally diagnosed, I firmly believe she has traits of BPD, and I believe there's about a 50% chance of a child of a borderline developing the disorder.

[@lunacouer]

Does she take medication for Bipolar, and if so, did anything change? I had the reverse issue. I was diagnosed with BPD, then years later, correctly diagnosed with Bipolar. Got on the right meds, and poof! The BPD symptoms disappeared (as well as the cycling). So, I always wondered if that's kinda the trick - if the meds work, it's Bipolar 2, if they don't, it's BPD? I know that's incredibly simplified, and people are so complex. But with how often they're each misdiagnosed as the other, I kinda wonder if mood stabilizers are a key to knowing what's going on.

[@OnsceneDC]

@@lunacouer yes, she's been taking Lamictal. I'm sure there are others. I would argue that they aren't working, hence one reason why I believe that despite the treatment, she's in no better shape.

[@banjiddle]

I listen intently because I learn from you. I then listen again, and take notes. Thank you again!

[@teresa1107]

This was incredibly insightful. I have gone for therapy in the past and it was very helpful since I do come from a family dynamic of massive abuse. The therapy was beneficial and it really allowedd me to release a lot of the chains of negativity from my past that were holding me back. Yet, when I listened to this I realize I lean toward bpd. I did have tough times in personal relationships, always felt better on my own, and as I have gotten older I have become much more balanced. Thank you so much for this information Dr. Grande. I feel like blinders have been taken off of my eyes.

[@yourenough3]

Thanks Dr G. This info is so important to me!

[@rexferalman4543]

It SURE IS my friend :)

[@marinaking648]

I always wondered what the difference between these two are 🤔. This will be very informative!

[@ebenn403]

Thanks for another great video! this one provokes a lot of self reflection for me. My mom tells me that some of my mixed manic episodes have made me seem as thought I had borderline but that she sees the majority of those traits disappear once my mood state is stable again. I think this has to do with the symptoms of emotional lability, self harm/suicidality, impulsivity, rage, and neediness. Im glad to say i am doing much better for the time being.

[@sandyshorewalker5364]

Dr. Grande, I thank you for the information. The video was very interesting. It really has increased my knowledge and understanding in these areas for better interactions too.

[@DrGrande]

You are quite welcome!

[@Renee_VSJ]

Excellent video, thank you for expanding upon this topic!

[@DrGrande]

You are quite welcome!

[@robcazant5654]

Thanks for this insightful video! It touched on many of the problems I've been dealing with so it's much appreciated to help me connect the dots.

[@DrGrande]

You are quite welcome!

[@Ruffiansea]

You truly help many people to further explore any issues they may be experiencing, Dr. Grande. Sometimes the objects we see in the rearview mirror are not quite what they seem. (Kinda unrelated, but I came across this line from a television show, which I found interesting: "I'm not unhappy, I'm just not ready to be happy yet.")

[@tomjones239]

I have schizoaffective disorder and the symptoms AND drug side effects are horrible. I can`t go anywhere alone because of panic attacks so I have no friends and stay at home. I live with my sister and am trying to get disability but the people who decide disability cases have no idea how difficult it is to function in society.

[@rightnow5839]

Tom Jones I’m glad your family is supportive. Yes getting disability takes time, You have to have everything documented and show proof of say hospitalizations and treatment history or current treatment. I know these things because my father is a disability attorney. I’ve never heard of anyone with a serious disorder who is in treatment get denied for very long. Much 💗 to you.

[@aldostefanini1392]

I feel sorry for you and it actually makes me thankful to rather have Bipolar 1. Stay strong mr. Atleast you have a famous name that's a bonus 👌

[@pocoeagle2]

Great video Dr. Grande. So very well explained about BPD and Bipolar Disorder. Thanks doc 😃 Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱

[@DrGrande]

You're welcome!

[@marthelea]

Hello from Norway! I wanted to say thank you for the interesting video. I am 27 years old and was personally diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome (we use the ICD-10 here) six months ago. I also fill the criteria for BPD and unspecified personality disorder, although I did not get that one on paper. Now we have figured out that my recurring depression is actually bipolar type 2. I've known all of these things as a huge possibility from years back, so I am not surprised to finally get recognition for my problems. Although I am very high functioning with all of these struggles, they definitely affect quality of life. Still, I find it really difficult to actually differentiate between all these things, and as an aspie woman, that's sometimes very frustrating. I often ask myself whether I'm suffering from this disorder or that other one at random times. To know the cause of the problems, when it's so complex should make it easier to deal with what's at hand. I know ASD (especially in women), BPD and Bipolar are often mixed together and misdiagnosed. Could you perhaps delve deeper into this subject? It would be very much appreciated!

[@DrGrande]

You are quite welcome! Yes, I will see what I can find on comorbid ASD, BPD, and Bipolar.

[@marthelea]

@@DrGrande thank you! I'm glad you will look into it :)

[@rightnow5839]

Thanks Dr. Grande 💗 this video. You explained the differences very clearly, in a way that makes sense to me. 👍🏻

[@scarlettchappendenden9059]

Thank you Doc! Complex , but brilliantly explained. Hero.

[@DrGrande]

You are quite welcome!

[@dizzydiddle123]

Thanks, Dr. Grande, strangely perfect timing. I just received both diagnoses, bipolar ll being the latter. My therapist and I are still trying to figure out if the BPD still stands or if my symptoms of it are too mood congruent to be a personality disorder. It might be a bit too niche, but could you perhaps consider making a video describing how a patient with both bipolar disorder and borderline PD would present? Is the mood instability of BPD affected by the current mood episode of bipolar, can or are certain symptoms of one disorder exacerbated or reduced by the other, etc. It would be very interesting to learn more about how this comorbidity works. I read and hear about it happening, but I have never found a proper description of it.

[@DrGrande]

Let me look into this and I will see if I can record a video about it. Thank you for the idea!

[@dizzydiddle123]

Dr. Todd Grande That’s great, thank you so much!

[@srmillard]

Great analysis. I don't disagree with any of it! That said, I'm blown away that the rate of attempted suicide for people with BPD is 60-70% It's also paradoxical that people with BPD tend to be happier out of a relationship, but at the same time for purposes of validation, identity, etc. they tend to seek out relationships more than people without BPD.

[@barb7124]

Updated stats. 1 out of 3 people with bpd will die from suicide.

[@MsZookie1]

I'm heart broken over the break down of our 20yr long relationship from his bpd but I have to pick myself up and carry on. He started using ice this year and it has sent him to another level a level I can no longer handle or am equipped to do so. They have had trouble diagnosing him hence he has been diagnosed with all the above plus schizoaffective disorder. He has all the above traits you mentioned re bipolar and a few re the bpd. I'm at a complete loss. I feel so much empathy but cannot help.or reach him anymore. I used to be able to get through. He is 57 and I've been told.it gets worse with age. He also had a subdural hemotoma from a fall 8 yrs ago so there s alot going on. 😞

[@MsZookie1]

What if they all of the above? Can they have both?

[@MsZookie1]

Ex partner was sexually abused as a child so there's the start of his trauma. He has also tried to commit suicide and his father was undiagnosed manic depressive . Really hate the torment he suffers.

[@SweetBlackSistah]

Very well explained. Thank you Doc!

[@DrGrande]

You're welcome!

[@hernandezb2178]

I just wish I had you as one of my professors specifically to make these type of comparisons. It makes total sense when you explain it 👌🏽🌟

[@iRockChick]

This is just my personal opinion from what I have read, been told by psychologists and people who have borderline and friends and family of people with borderline. I was told that it depends on where the individual with borderline is on the Spectrum if their borderline will get better with age or worse with age or some traits will get worse some will get better. And that it also depends on if the individual with borderline has sought treatment or is treatment resistant or under treated or undiagnosed or refuses to get treatment. I also think and from what I have read and been told that the prevalence of or the amount of people in the US who have borderline or bipolar is much higher than 1 or 2%. I have heard numbers ranging from 5% to 15% although I feel 15% is a little high. If I were to guess I think it would be for bipolar probably between 4 to 8 % and for borderline it would be between 8 and 12%. But we never will know the exact percentage because there are a lot of people out there that are undiagnosed or they refuse to seek help so they can't be diagnosed and some people can't afford to go to get help Etc so the number could be much higher for the prevalence of both borderline and bipolar separately and together as comorbid Etc. This is all just my personal opinion and two cents.

[@Estelle-Maureen]

Hello Dr. Grande! Would you consider doing a video on coping skills that you find to be particularly effective? I am looking for some sound advice and inspiration! Thank you so much for all that you give and have a good evening! :)

[@gracefarmilo6602]

What if someone has Bipolar ll disorder and CPTSD? How do you identify if they have BPD, or if its just symptoms of the Bipolar II and CPTSD?

[@barb7124]

It takes a skilled doctor to evaluate the patient.

[@tdesq.2463]

Very helpful. VERY HELPFUL. Thanks, Doctor!

[@paper-chasepublications9433]

Very timely. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@jaynedavis3388]

I can survive on 4 hours a night or 3 days of insomnia before my waking dreams start. The bast night’s sleep as an adult* was 13hours (after insomnia). It was the most refreshed upon waking that I’ve ever felt. I want 10 hours a night (due to my illness) but I’m lucky if I get half that DESPITE being on heavy sedatives (apparently I have a bunch of rare sleep conditions like: Sleep apnea. Cyclical Insomnia. Waking dreams during insomnia. Sleeping with my eyes open twice. Holding entire conversations with people about why I’m not getting up, only to wake up later & ask why I wasn’t woken. I talk in my sleep... Once I sang a full song in my sleep while my arms conducted the orchestra (“Spoon full of sugar” from the original Mary Poppins). There’s more but no one cares * The best night’s sleep of my life was when I fell asleep with all these little plastic smurfs in the bed with me. By some miracle they just settled in the dips & curves of my back, neck & shoulders. The next night I sprinkled smurfs on the sheets & hopped in... all I got was bruises.

[@jaredmello]

My mania is goal oriented and entrepreneurial, but I have the fear of abandonment and frantic behavior of bpd.

[@haneena4560]

Thank you doctor, your videos helped me a lot in my education journey in psychology, I’ve learned many important information from you, I’m very grateful.

[@janefinley-english9695]

Another well explained interesting video! ♥️✌🏽

[@DrGrande]

Thank you :)

[@Sophie-db1ko]

It s really complex. To really understand you need to be immersed in that subject in a way or another. Whether professionally or personally.

[@floofy1953]

Thanks for stating these clearly.

[@qiuwbr091]

You are a brilliant orator. I have to slow down the speed of the tape to take notes. But, getting this is really important to me. I was wondering if you could give insights on alcoholism and bi-polar disorders. Does alcoholism increase co-morbid traits? I live in an area where alcoholism is very prevalent.

[@yusefendure]

Fascinating and informative. Thank you, Dr. Grande.

[@DrGrande]

You are quite welcome!

[@deeptiranganathan9438]

All your video series are super informative. Thank you, from India 🇮🇳

[@arianaajbeaverhausen8175]

Another great video, you are always full of interesting information and present it in a professional and respectful way. Wish you lived in Scotland! Lol. Have you written any books at all Doctor? Have a great week, many thanks! 😀

[@DrGrande]

You are quite welcome! I am working on a book currently. I hope I can finish within the next few months.

[@arianaajbeaverhausen8175]

@@DrGrande great news, keep us all posted please! 😀

[@PMAUSMedia]

Thank you so much for the clarity. Well articulated.

[@tedoymisojos]

Makes me wonder what is considered a 'normal' person in psychology

[@gabrielaabdeslamova8117]

Can a person with Asperger syndrome have BPD, please?

[@sodakhan5463]

Gabriela Ferancová yep, but honestly female Aspergers (especially with C-PTSD) has a lot of the same traits as BPD but they are a bit different in their roots. For example, in BPD you lose your sense of self because your personality changes depending on who you are with. In ASD, you feel like you are constantly wearing a mask and the mask may change around different people but internally you feel like you are acting. So neither have a true self.

[@PhoenixtheII]

Yes, one can, I'm diagnosed with ASD, PTSD, BPD, AvPD and persistent depressive disorder. I feel like the quiet borderline type is closest to my experience.

[@kungfujoe2136]

OFC

[@43110s]

Super super great video!!! So very helpful!

[@DrGrande]

Thank you :)

[@frankenz66]

I still do not understand what exactly the terms "feelings of emptiness" means exactly. Hopelessness or things similar?

[@frankenz66]

@N Silva That's a pretty fair description. It's difficult to get the essence of the feeling sometimes. Of course I feel that the only time there is no hope for yourself or someone means you are in an urn or in the ground somewhere. There is always hope.

[@barb7124]

Filling a void with pleasures like sex and drugs, but never feeling true joy.

[@PatiRoxx]

I feel a combo of hopelessness and lack of joy for anything

[@TrueBlueCat]

Do you have a podcast if it'd be great to listen to while I'm at work

[@michellecollins4974]

Champagne Supernova 13 I think you can just run KZbin in the background.

[@TrueBlueCat]

Yeh..sometimes i do....butI like to download off wifi ...save my data.

[@michellecollins4974]

Champagne Supernova 13 I’m pretty sure you can download the video. Maybe only for KZbin premium members how ever. 💐 Dr Grande is great, I can see where you would want to listen to him on a podcast.

[@TrueBlueCat]

@@michellecollins4974 His content is so good and he's really informative it would be ashame if he didn't have a podcast!

[@serendipitous_synchronicity]

Thank you Dr Grande! Informative video, undoubtedly it'll be helpful to many! I've got a relative that has BPD. I've a feeling she'll be quite interested in this presentation.. I'll forward it to her ☺

[@DrGrande]

You are quite welcome!

[@pocoeagle2]

Dr. Grande I'm not sure, but have you ever done a video about Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders? I'm teaching a child, who has dyslexia, ADHD and vocal tics. Have a good night doc 😃

[@DrGrande]

I haven't recorded a video on that - I will take a look at the literature and see what I can find -

[@qiuwbr091]

Had a family member with dyslexia. They are at social risk a lot. Also the level of guilt can be much higher as people sometimes cam trick them into assuming responsibilities that aren’t theirs.

[@keariewashburn4680]

Thanks Dr Grande😊 very good video. Very good information

[@tiffykitty1694]

Very informative and accurate based on my personal experience with both disorders. 👍

[@DrGrande]

Thank you!

[@johncalhoun7569]

You were 100 percent right about me. I have no doubt I have Borderline Personality Disorder.

[@krisztinakessel6869]

Dr Grande, what is identity disturbance? You say it a lot, but i cannot imagine what it means.:) thanks if you can answer

[@vanessaoneill427]

like not knowing who you are, what your values, interests and beliefs are.. you may change jobs frequently, religions or have a confused sexuality

[@GainFitnessSystems]

It would be great if there was a blog with some graph comparisons about similar disorders

[@eeesuhhh]

It doesn’t seem like this is your field, but I would be interested to hear your take on ASD, and how it compares/contrasts in genders. You have thoughtful commentary, which is why I’m curious about your opinion.

[@BeingBetter]

I understand borderlines don't like being alone, I used to have a problem with that but now it's much better. I have been diagnosed with Bipolar, not borderline.

[@aldostefanini1392]

I think most of my triggers would be because I get bored. That's when i would think of ways for excitement ether be it shocking people or doing something close to be being illegal just to spice up the normal life. Dr Grande

[@vertedjenny1669]

Dr. Grande, Can we have your thoughts on James Ray and the sweatlodge deaths? Thanks

[@nickidaisyreddwoodd5837]

The sweatlodge guy is a classic psychopath.

[@vertedjenny1669]

Daisy It’s more likely that he was overly optimistic and got careless. No need to call him psycho!

[@ashg4045]

Another fantastic video!!!

[@mikeraskin7319]

I have bipolar 2 and strangely enough I'm married to a narcissist I've been with this narcissist a little over 20 years. I'm curious how common this is. I haven't been able to find much data on this topic. Some insight into this would be appreciate and hopefully helpful. I was much older when I was diagnosed bipolar 2. It is interesting but I haven't been diagnosed until much older. I suspect some of it has to do it's being born in 1973. The way I was diagnosed definitively was because my daughter happened to be diagnosed with bipolar. What's suede therapist to finally diagnose me had to do somewhat with the diagnosis of my daughter and the biological component. As always thank you Doctor grande for the great videos

[@jaredmello]

Mike Raskin i just went no contact with a female covert narcissist, I have bpd. We were toxic in an intoxicating way. I talk about it on my channel

[@barb7124]

Are you a codependent?

[@KagomeYasha023]

*Idk I’m still not sure if my final diagnosis when I was young is correct, I’ve been questioning it since then and still do. My psychiatrist went back and forth for a while on whether I have BPD or Bipolar type II. Eventually she went with BP type II but it’s been 15 years since that diagnosis and I still feel it might not be right. I constantly go back n forth between thinking I definitely have BPD or I definitely have BP type II like I was eventually diagnosed with. I never feel any improvement in my quality of life. I can never tell if I’m making sense or not when I try to explain anything to help someone help me figure it out. Idk I feel I’m not making sense ever.* edit: it surprised me when you said that it’s rare but a possibility to have both or something along those lines so now I truly wonder is that what is truly going on with me.

[@patrickhanson712]

I think I might have both too, borderline is the established diagnosis but these changes in mood (longer term than just emotional events) might point to both?

[@johnpaul5474]

Do you have any role in choosing, or do you in any way endorse, the ads that precede your videos?

[@DrGrande]

No, the ads are placed by YT

[@johnpaul5474]

@@DrGrande Thanks.

[@samanthapuleo7812]

It's so interesting how there is just so much overlap with I find a lot of clinicians do not want to make the BPD diagnosis perhaps it's because of stigma

[@rexferalman4543]

Nice work doctor...keep it up :)

[@janupczak5059]

What kind of a treatment plan would you suggest for someone who is probably bipolar AND addicted to methamphetamines? Where would you begin? What would a family member do? Particularly if the affected person is an adult and does is not agreeable to getting help?

[@janupczak5059]

@Adrienne Gurge Thank you so much! Yes, that does help. A lot. I have just been so list and confused about where to start. This makes sense, and I will find those videos. You have helped more than you can know.❤

[@allidoiscry4119]

Please please please make a video about ECT if you already haven't

[@LemonSte]

I wonder, is it common for bipolar to co-exist with NPD or just toxic narcissistic traits? what would that look like?

[@Charliesgarden-rz3bz]

Thank you, this clip is 3 years old, but i'll try to get through. 1. I got THE bp2 diagnose 3 years ago, after a severe episod of depression 2. Balanced after 1-2 years 3. Alone after C19 and last Chile moved out 4. Got a severe scull fracture and a trombosis 1 1/2 years ago --> Fatique 5. I was a good girl, started working 3 months later, started with 2h a Day, then 4h, then 6h - threshold for People think i'm Good, and workload increasd as of i worked 8h. 6 .Managed that for 3 weeks, got totally exhausted, break down, depressed. Talking about co-morbidity, I'm Still depressed. What is what? Bp2, Fatique, burnout, too tired to have fun. I guess there are No answers, thinking perhaps ECT could be the last resort. Cannot take the darkness for much longer.

[@ArchitectOfTheApocalypse]

What is identity disturbance?

[@johnpaul5474]

I still wonder if I have the milder version of bipolar, cyclothymia, but I've never been diagnosed as such. Anyway, these "constructs" are interesting and seem helpful for one whose life has been a long attempt at recovery. (Most of what I know about bipolar I learned from two books by Kay Redfield Jamison, an international authority on the subject.) I don't "self-identify" with "borderline" and haven't thought much about it or had any experience with anyone who might have the disorder. Always interesting, Dr. Grande. Thanks again. I'll use the little I know about these subjects very carefully.

[@SerenaToxicat]

How about when your client with bpd only has full manic episodes from their antidepressants?

[@lunacouer]

Speaking from experience, people with bipolar (either 1 or 2) have to be incredibly careful with antidepressants, because they can trigger full-blown manic episodes. It's a hallmark of bipolar disorder. And with Bipolar 2, it's mostly hypomania versus full-blown mania. So, some really feel-good, productive days, then a whole bunch of depressive days. Hypomania is often overlooked, because people aren't going to bring up the "Once a week, I have a great day and feel good" times as a problem. For me, that's how I was - a few days of hypomania, followed by depressive days. Then I was put on two antidepressants and phew, I went full-on manic. We got it straightened out later, with a better doctor, lol. So, would this be a case of misdiagnosis, or perhaps having both BPD and Bipolar?

[@SerenaToxicat]

Glad you got it straightened out! I’m thinking borderline and also bipolar, but I have read that some patients will display mania or hypomania even when they don’t have the illness, just as a result of taking the antidepressant drug, much like they might with meth or cocaine. I don’t know what to think. Dr. Grande?

[@wordandwater9027]

Wow, this is such a great video, unfortunately I see more traits and symptoms of BPD in me.

[@laurasusannalisaharleysantera]

Interesting. And actual comorbid.

[@anitaholcombe1096]

in 2013 i was diagnosed as Severe Depressions; 2015 I was diagnosed with Bipolar Depression; 2017 I was diagnosed with Split Personality Disorder; 2018 I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder; 2021 My final diagnosis was Bipolar 1 Disorder im so confused because me not knowing who I was what my purpose is i even know what im good at. ive been diagnosed with no much that I really have 80% doubt in my mind im NOT BIPOLAR 1 the worst diagnoses yet. 😰😢 theyre possible waiting to break the news Feb 16 2021 that I am not mentally fit to be a parent when we have psychos that abuse and neglect their kid im not a bad parent im just a person who child hood was stolen from her at 8 and was forced to live an unstable life with no family and force to be someone im not to pleasw the world so I stay inside work and sleep. I just feel like I just exist for no reason. I think everyone feels that way sometimes

[@duplooy6704]

I was diagnosed with bipolar 1 back in 2011, becuz of a manic episode tht got me hospitalised. Ever since i came down from tht high, i have been depressed to the point where i cant function on my own anymore... It never changed... (Ketamine treatment helped a bit) but this depression is so bad. I dont have anger issues. I have only had tht 1 manic episode... Am i really bipolar??

[@TheOptimistikChic]

This was a really great video, however, I would argue that initially you were comparing bipolar 2 disorder with borderline personality disorder. Many of your references and comparisons between the two were based on mania, which is of course inclusive to bipolar 1 disorder - Bipolar 2 only experiencing hypomania. This left me somewhat confused.

[@stle3271]

I'm wondering if lack of insight for people with BPD is a big reason they often get confused. To me the symptoms seem the same but they seem like they come from such a clear different case (excluding the comorbidity factor) that I can't see how they would get confused unless someone didn't have insight (In the BPD) case into what was driving their behavior.

[@amywilson4758]

I think I have both.I was diagnosed as bipolar 2 but I have ALL the symptoms of both.I have alot to talk to my doctor about.

[@arnedelange9857]

Thanks. How to tell the difference between adhd bpd and Bipolar II? I believe that my ex has adhd, it would explain her impulsivity, black white thinking, emotional dysregulation, inability to focus/listen and manage school etc. She could not help our children with simple homework. Self medicated with alcohol and cigarettes. Two of our three sons have adhd. It is inherited I believe.

[@Keepedia99]

Is it just me or do you have an old video about the exact same thing

[@justiceforthealphabet5537]

Everything you described as bpd I experience that and I experience some of the bipolar symptoms. I was diagnosed having bipolar. I’ve developed a lot of the symptoms around the age 14 ish.

[@dawnemile4974]

Sometimes it is better to find out the person's views of life and present circumstances before even making a diagnosis. I was misdiagnosed with BPD when if the psychiatrist had probed a little further he would have found out that I was extremely religious and had just suffered a severe financial loss. It's so disrespectful to be treated this way.

[@orchidisle1]

Very good topic and explanations across domains which is important to emphasize. I am a nurse not a mental health clinician, but I work within behavioral health field so these videos inform my discernment in my work. From a personal side it is much more painful to think about - a very close person to me was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 . Because of the ending of the relationship it seems that the one way to explain it is NPD? How would I know if that is true or could a manic episode be triggered or caused by a situation that looks like NPD- what is the difference and is it likely a person could have both? This would be a “ shy” or covert type narcissist or subtle type not an overt manic type. What do you know from your experience? It has been extremely painful for me and any light you shed will help me at least understand better.

[@DrGrande]

Thank you - I will see what I can find in the literature about NPD and BP II

[@orchidisle1]

Dr. Todd Grande Mahalo much appreciated!

[@orchidisle1]

Dr. Todd Grande I realized I hadn’t mentioned why I ask about NPD is the way this person ended a very long standing relationship to move on to a new one and it as if the relationship never existed. This was very unusual for this person or least what I thought I knew. It lines up with symptoms of NPD or at least behaviors like what others describe- however this is not to say I don’t recognize my own faults in this. It was and still is a shock, it’s as if this person was not the same at all and this has not changed as far as I am aware in over a year and it affects other family as well, who have also been left behind. I want to be effective in helping others and so I need to understand myself through this as well as others.

[@PhoenixtheII]

Now, I'm diagnosed with having BPD, AvPD, PTSD, Persistent depressive disorder and Autism spectrum disorder (PDD-NOS)... My question would be while one can have both... How does BPD and specifically the high functioning side of autism differ... or just overlap? Because as described here in this video, I'm more stable outside of a relationship than inside. Which leads more to a BPD trait. Yet I also struggle with social inferiority compared to my peers... And some say, social reciprocity. I like your videos a lot too :) It deffo helped me gain understanding in things for myself.

[@replaceablehead]

Comorbidity is a tricky thing. It's worth critically questioning the likelihood of having so many different diagnosis. Dr. Grande did do a video comparing ASD and personality disorders, but I'm not sure it will answer your question. A lot of people will sight personal experiences, little things they've noticed, the quality of these anecdotes varies, but some are valuable. I would suggest though that clinical case studies can be the most useful in getting better at differentiating. If you think of the DSM as being like a dictionary, then case studies are like the examples of the application and usage of that language. Having said that I will throw in my two cents. IMO we have seen periods where both ASD and BPD were popular and the possibility of over-diagnosis is of concern. In particular both disorders cause social problems in the broadest sense. Now obviously there are huge differences in the types of social problems and the root causes. Something I feel I very much witnessed during the late 90's and early 00's was the popularity of diagnosing children with high functioning ASD (at the time Asperger) if they were having trouble making friends in school, with bonus points if they liked Harry Potter, or Pokemon. Now most reasonable people I'm sure can see that just about any mental disorder could cause a child to have difficulty making friends. But I think this shallow assessment did lead to a lot of misdiagnosis at the time. I would argue that some of it was based on anti-intellectualism and the feeling that things such as the rise of video game culture and the popularity of geek culture did not fit with ideas about male and female gender norms - eg. boys should play with Tonka trucks not wands. That's really more my opinion and speculation though. Having said that ASD is very real thing and it can cause real problems. But here in lies the rub, this idea of a so-called soft diagnosis, how low should the bar be? How mild the systems before it is just idiosyncrasy? This is what I've noticed, people who I understood to have well verified and fairly severe cases of high functioning ASD tended to have two distinct features: a narrow interest and fixation on a particular thing, and distinct "social blindness". lets dig into those. When people talk about the narrow interests of HF ASD they often mention nerdy, or geeky hobbies, but what I found is that in the most bonafide cases it wasn't any more likely that the individual would be fixated on something relatively interesting and stimulating, like collecting Pokemon cards, vs. collecting different sized rocks. I mean some of the fixated activities I've encountered were profoundly boring, something I don't really see in the garden variety geek. And when it was Pokemon, or Harry Potter, the individual managed to find the most boring and repetitive aspect of this interest and fixate exclusively on that. One cravat, severity differs, and I'm maybe exaggerating a little for the purpose of illustration. But if a person can make their exclusive interest even remotely interesting in conversation than I would suggest your dealing with someone who just happens to be interested in a hobby that society perceives as geeky. I'll dig into my second point, social blindness. I'm talking about true and genuine obliviousness to overt social cues, as distinct from some who's perception of social cues is warped. Warped perception of social interactions is more indicative of a personality disorder. A person with ASD is more likely not to even be aware that there is a situation to be misinterpreted. Now I'm not suggesting they're stupid, people learn and adapt and for certain common interactions a person with ASD can become quite functional, but I would still expect to see sudden and profound moments of utter and complete social blindness. It's also important to note we can all miss things. Some people miss a lot of social cues, maybe they're just not observant. But I'm talking about seeing the social cue and just... nothing... zip. In other words, blind to it's meaning.

[@kathrynluddeke9021]

@@replaceablehead fascinating

[@carolnahigian9518]

Never give up!!!

[@taracate88]

How common is it for bipolar people to have delusions and what do they look like? How can I recognize when they are delusional and what do I do when I’m affected by it? My mom has bipolar disorder and I am that person you mentioned who was diagnosed bipolar but I don’t actually have it, I have borderline personality disorder. I just learned that people with bipolar suffer with delusions and when I think about different events, I would rather understand what happened because nobody in my life has proven honest when I ask. Another question, whenever I get upset, it’s not takin seriously because “I’m crazy.” Like I am not allowed to be upset with someone who treats me bad because I am just crazy so I can’t possibly have a real reason. I just wanted to know when you’re allowed to get mad over something? It’s as if I am not supposed to be upset ever for anything but I feel like I have a good reason for it. I don’t want to get pissed all the time but I would like it if I felt more valued. But whenever I try to, someone calls me selfish. It’s just so confusing.

[@BeingBetter]

The defining characteristic of a delusion is you don't know you have it. I have had delusions before. You think everyone else is crazy.

[@taracate88]

Being Better ok, so how do I know if my mom has a delusion? She hasn’t really done anything that I can think of but she has done little things like she would say she told me to do something and she didn’t, like take out the trash, and I wouldn’t know I was supposed to and she would be mad. But I would have thought that was just she thought she said it and forgot to. Or that’s how she made it seem. So if she doesn’t know that she is having a delusion, she wouldn’t do anything to defend it, right? Also, people who are diagnosed Borderline are often diagnosed with bipolar disorder or are mistaken for it, so if I don’t know I’m delusional and everyone around me doesn’t validate me like I need (which is a big reason for borderline, there are many more but it’s a common one) then how do I figure out if I’m delusional or not? This is probably the worst thing I have ever feared. I took a class for psychology and we learned about schizophrenia. There was a case about a woman who heard a dog barking all night and when she finally went to the house and complained, she realized they didn’t have a dog and she was schizophrenic. Like, how common is it to hear dogs barking? So how are we supposed to know what’s real. I might be panicking about this a little too much but it’s just scary to think that you could be living life feeling normal and then you are suddenly aware that things you experience are not really happening.

[@BeingBetter]

@@taracate88 This is very interesting and I'm glad you asked. Speaking from my non professional experience, and having had delusions, I would say at this moment you don't come across as delusional in your writing. It is common to be freaked out by the idea of becoming delusional, if you were delusional you would not be freaked out at all! I woke up one morning to nurse my baby. I went back into my room after and told my husband he was a drug dealer. That I knew he was planning to kill me later in the day. His crooked teeth and his mom's crooked teeth were from using meth. I was very worried about my safety. There is more to the story I can tell you if you are interested. I think you should be careful before you say your mom us delusional, I know you didn't say it you were just wondering. Lack of sleep can certainly lead to delusions. Mine may have been caused by waking up many times in the night with my new baby. When you ask would she do anything to defend it, yes I think she would defend what she said if she is delusional. Alcohol can also lead to psychosis. As can weed and other drugs. It was not a factor for mine, which made it more shocking.

[@BeingBetter]

The only way to find out if you're delusional may be if someone tries to set you straight. In my case I was hospitalized. I did not know why I was at the hospital, I thought my mom was sick and they were taking me to visit her. That last paragraph you wrote, living life feeling normal and suddenly aware that things you experience are not actually happening, is exactly how I felt.

[@taracate88]

Being Better I don’t mean to say my mom is actually delusional, and I think it’s important to mention that she has been doing really good for several years now. She is diagnosed Bipolar so she has struggled to get enough control to make it but she did get the control. So if anyone is reading this, just keep going to the doctors and make sure you are honest about how different medications are affecting you. I don’t mean to say anything that is offensive but rather I just really didn’t know that people with bipolar disorder had delusions, and then I find out that they not only have them, but they always have them. It’s like a main trait or something. I just don’t remember my mom doing anything that seemed that crazy. I assume your husband isn’t really a drug dealer with meth teeth and I bet to him, that came out of nowhere, right? I just don’t know if my mom was like that. My problem is, I am super good at disassociation to the point that I don’t even remember things from my childhood the same way they happened. My sister and I have had many conversations where she had to tell me what happened because I was in my own world at the time. It’s frustrating but I am working on it. I just love Dialectical Behavior Therapy! Its like a guide to everything I was messing up as an adult. Once I got out of my moms house and I was around people who had normal emotional levels and social queues, I still thought like they were all bipolar. It’s like when people get out of prison after a few years and they still have the mentality that they had inside. Sometimes I think it’s time for my mom to recalibrate her meds but it’s not like I can actually say that. It’s hard to explain our relationship because its really messy but its not like she was a horrible abusive mom. She was just mentally unable to do certain things that I really needed but she couldn’t help it at all. I mean, bipolar is a chemical imbalance, its not like a person can control the amount of chemicals they make. I can’t even control the amount of saliva in my mouth, i drool when I see good food and it’s as dry as a dessert when I’m nervous so how can I expect my mom to control her brain? Or at least that’s how I think of it. I really appreciate your thoughts even though you’re not a professional. Sometimes, professionals have too much information anyway. I would much rather get opinions from 100 nonprofessional people than one expert sometimes. Doctors don’t know how it feels, they just know what to look for and what to prescribe to change it.

[@gnazlis]

What do you know about mental decoders in association with food? There are anecdotal accounts that a long term keto-type diet puts bipolar, depression and other disorders in remission.

[@suzyq3225]

Great video Dr G! What about a longtime (many years) pattern of ideation, putting partners, roommates, some close family members on a high pedestal, superior to everyone else, then each one eventually is the worse person on the planet, perhaps even viewed as "evil"? Would this pattern differentiate BPD from bipolar II? Would a bipolar Ii person have the uncontrolled sudden rage a BPD person displays at times? Can an intelligent BPD patient manipulate their counselor, making the person difficult to diagnose?

[@anitayoung4812]

My mother is a narcissist. She's 85 years old and gets worse every year. From my understanding, the DSM sometimes includes narcissism and sometimes doesn't. If any of those DSM creators lived with a narcissist ever in their lives, NPD, Sociopaths and Psychopaths would be included in these DSM god-like guidelines. Or are narcissists, sociopaths and psychopaths considered under the broad term 'Personality Disorder'?

[@patrickhanson712]

My diagnosis last fall was borderline, and seems well established in my history, and the clinical traits. My therapist had me do an emotion journal of sorts (sadness, rage, etc...) and a pattern showed up after a few weeks we took note of. Now the word "mood" is coming into session, being different from emotional reactions. So am wondering, very often there is a broad change in lets call it depressed vs inspired positivity. So what I looked up could mean Ultradian bipolar? Also strongly identified with this disturbing feeling called a "mixed mood", which is a real trip. So I could have both?

[@scoob4u]

Do you have a recommendation for a good diagnostic interview resource for a new practitioner for distinguishing between these disorders? Perhaps one you use/have used?

[@loveyashua237]

What about “splitting” tendencies and the lack of bonding or detachment in family upbringing family that borderline personality DO is known for?

[@aaron2709]

Great. Thank you.

[@johncalhoun7569]

It took me nearly 45 years to realize I have BPD. I love a woman with Bipolar one. Sadly she's married to a Vulnerable Narcissist.

[@ananimity7332]

Thank you for the video Dr. Grande. I'm no professional but I have a sister who I believe has BPD. There are two symptoms though she doesn't have. Do people with BPD have to fit all the symptoms or description of the disorder in order to be diagnosed with it?

[@DrGrande]

BPD only requires 5 of the 9 symptom criteria to be endorsed, so it would be possible for someone to be missing 2 symptoms and still be diagnosed.

[@carolnahigian9518]

Dear Dr Grande, life of Dana Plato and Anissa Jones(cute girl actresses)?

[@sometimesicuss6696]

What are some other examples of "frantic behavior to avoid abandonment". Is this like over-performing, favorite person obsessed and codependent/ emeshed ploys for attention?

[@gigi9301]

Is it possible to have both disorders, with one being mainly evidenced most of the time? Or is it one or the other only?

[@stonedecatur6602]

How about a borderline that has mania while binge drinking and could get by with very little sleep and has little appetite? Meanwhile, the avg person could only drink for 4-5 hours before they get really sleepy and hungry?

[@ozzy7109]

I've been diagnosed with both... among a couple other things.. I've never really thought I was bipolar... can Mania last for a year or more?

[@gazbot9000]

How about a video about autistics, particularly women, being misdiagnosed with BPD and / or bipolar disorder?

[@lyndaburn6428]

Great suggestion. I’m convinced I was misdiagnosed because I struggle with sensory problems with doesn’t fit with BPD.

[@StellaJ-kt6xb]

Is paranoid behavior specific to bpd?

[@aldostefanini1392]

Another question Dr Grande like in my other comments on your videos. DO you find Bipolar Disorder interesting? Can you please do more videos on this as I live with bipolar 1 and it is interesting to learn extra stuff about it every time I watch your videos on this topic. Commented 15/04/2022