Borderline or Bipolar?

Hi

3 months ago I was concerned about my depression, I was sleeping all day and unable to function properly. I have had episodes like this before but have never done much about it because within a week or even the next day I would feel way better and sometimes feel extra good. I have always had concerns about my excessive sexuality and alcohol abuse but feel like I get over it and feel good again.

I read some information on bipolar and related to all the symptoms! I had never been too concerned with my good moods, and usually just blamed alcohol for my outrageous behaviour (like dancing on tables at restaurants) or thinking I was an awesome skateboarder and skating down a steep street.

When I realised that I may have more than depression I reacted crazy, I began more self harm and having extreme feelings. I also get super angry and irritable.

When I finally was seen by a therapist I was told it is more likely I have borderline personality and not bipolar as my moods change too often.

I am able to act 'normal' and good around my friends and public and I have no trouble with my job as an aerobics instructor, however I can never stick with something for very long because i seem to change my mind.

I have heaps of symptoms that are both bipolar and borderline, is it possible to have both? Do I sound like I have bipolar or borderline? I am freaking out and want to know so I can try to get some control.

Help me?!!

(p.s. I have a history of sexual abuse at age 18)

[freddie8605]

What to have written could suggest either to me and it is possible to have both. I am not a doctor or medical person at all so i couldn't say what you have but i would listen and work with your therapist and see if they can help. if you are not happy with your current therapist know that you can get a second opinion. Some people say that borderline personality is linked to abuse especially in childhood. I also find that diagnosis of bipolar and borderline don't come straight away but over time so the doctor/therapist can see the symptoms themselves.
I my self have been diagnosed with borderline personality but over five years they have decided that it bipolar 1 instead.

[kmpiano]

Boarderline means that we are borderline bipolar.  Obviously I can't not say completly factually, becuase I am only 21 and not a docter, but I have educated myself a lot about borderline since I definietly have it. Borderline is a very typical result of sexual abuse (mine was during my whole childhood, so untreated, my bpd is pretty extreme, yet well managed when treated). Your doctor was correct in saying that boarderline results in more frequent mood shifts; bipolar is more like season by season of one's life, whereas borderlines can shift several times within the course of a day in various situations. Bipolar is less situational based, though just as chemical based.

[CrzyBeautiful1]

Good question. I've read that they can co exsist with each other, but how exactly would one know if they are both or not? It's true that a borderline's moods shift much quicker than bipolar. I was told that I have "BPD with bipolar type 2 traits/tendencies" (whatever that means). It confused me because they're kind of the same thing except for the more rapid mood swings, right?

[freddie8605]

Borderline is a personalty disorder which is someones personalty which comes extreme ( normally caused by abuse or trauma early in life)  it is someones way of coping with things but in an unproductive way i think and bipolar disorder is a mood disorder meaning it effects your mood etc depression and mania. Borderline has aspects of bipolar eg depression and elevated mood but doesn't reach hypo-mania or mania but borderline is much more than just mood it effects how you deal with life's changes so it is different. if you want to find out more i think its a good idea to Google both borderline and bipolar and ask your doctor who diagnosed you.

[Jaquta]

BPD does not mean borderline bipolar.  It's an old label to describe being on the border of both neurosis and psychosis.  Understanding of borderline personality disorder or bpd has changed over time although maybe not markedly.

Just in lay terms I would expect someone with bipolar to have more manic phases (need less sleep, have more energy, etc).
BPD moods seem more reactive (to real or perceived rejections, etc) while bipolar I think is more biological.

I have spoken with people who have said that they have been diagnosed as having both.

Is possible to have both.  To me it sounds like you have bpd.  The feeling better stuff would cause me to question the possibility of bipolar but I'm not sure.  You would need to be evaluated by a psychiatrist.

A large percentage of those with bpd are said to have been sexually abused.