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Learn DBT Skills In A Group
Weekly sessions are available. Grouport offers therapist-led dialectical behavior therapy skills groups online. The first 12 weeks covers fundamental DBT skills.
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Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Bipolar Disorder are two mental health conditions that often get confused due to overlapping symptoms, such as mood instability and impulsive behaviors. However, they are distinct disorders with different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Understanding the differences between them is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by intense emotional instability, difficulty maintaining relationships, and an unstable sense of self. People with BPD often experience:
- Emotional Dysregulation: Intense and rapidly changing emotions that can shift within minutes to hours.
- Fear of Abandonment: Extreme efforts to avoid real or perceived rejection.
- Impulsive Behaviors: Reckless spending, substance abuse, or unsafe sexual activity.
- Unstable Relationships: Shifting between idealizing and devaluing others.
- Chronic Feelings of Emptiness: A persistent sense of inner void.
- Self-Harm or Suicidal Behaviors: As a way to cope with overwhelming emotions.
The underlying cause of BPD is not entirely understood, but factors like early trauma, genetics, and brain structure abnormalities may contribute.
Bipolar Disorder, on the other hand, is a mood disorder characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. The two main phases of Bipolar Disorder are:
1. Mania (or Hypomania): Periods of elevated mood, increased energy, reduced need for sleep, and impulsive or risky behavior.
2. Depression: Periods of low mood, lack of energy, feelings of hopelessness, and difficulty concentrating.
- Bipolar I: Defined by episodes of full-blown mania and depression.
- Bipolar II: Involves hypomania (less severe than mania) and depression.
- Cyclothymic Disorder: A milder form of bipolar disorder with frequent mood swings that don’t meet the criteria for mania or depression.
The cause of Bipolar Disorder is thought to be a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors, including neurotransmitter imbalances and stressful life events.
- In BPD, mood swings are reactive and often triggered by interpersonal stressors. These shifts are rapid, lasting hours to days.
- In Bipolar Disorder, mood episodes (mania, hypomania, or depression) can last weeks to months and may not be tied to specific external events.
- People with BPD often struggle with a fluctuating sense of identity and self-worth.
- Bipolar Disorder does not typically involve identity issues.
- BPD is marked by unstable and intense relationships, often characterized by a fear of abandonment.
- Relationship difficulties in Bipolar Disorder tend to arise more during mood episodes.
- While both disorders can involve impulsivity, in BPD, it’s often tied to emotional instability and self-image issues.
- In Bipolar Disorder, impulsive behaviors usually occur during manic or hypomanic episodes.
- BPD is considered a personality disorder with roots in early life experiences and emotional regulation difficulties.
- Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder with a strong biological basis linked to brain chemistry.
Accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional. Misdiagnosis is common due to symptom overlap, so clinicians typically use thorough interviews, medical histories, and psychological testing.
- Psychotherapy: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is highly effective, focusing on emotion regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal skills.
- Medications: While there are no FDA-approved medications for BPD, mood stabilizers or antidepressants may help with specific symptoms.
- Medications: Mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium), antipsychotics, and antidepressants are mainstays of treatment.
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT, and psychoeducation can support medication management.
Confusing BPD with Bipolar Disorder can lead to inappropriate treatment plans and prolonged suffering. For example, someone with BPD may benefit more from intensive psychotherapy, while a person with Bipolar Disorder often requires mood-stabilizing medications. Proper diagnosis ensures that individuals receive the most effective interventions, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of BPD or Bipolar Disorder, seeking professional help is a vital first step. With the right support and treatment, managing these conditions is entirely possible.
Grouport Therapy provides online group therapy, individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, intensive outpatient program, teen therapy, and a DBT-Self Guided Program. All our sessions are therapist-led, held virtually, and meet over video chat at the same time each week. All our sessions are therapist-led and are held virtually and meet over video chat at the same time each week. For group therapy, we have groups on many topics including Dialectical Behavior Therapy "DBT", Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Anxiety & Depression, Trauma & PTSD, Anger Management, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Relationship Issues, Divorce, Narcissistic Abuse, Self-Compassion, Grief & Loss, Parenting, Substance Abuse, Supporting A Loved one with BPD, among others. Each group is led by a licensed therapist that typically has over a decade of experience treating a wide range of specialties, and the group meets at the same time each week for an hour with the same members and therapist.
As reported by our members, 70% experienced significant progress within 8 weeks, including reduced anxiety & depression symptoms.
Our care coordinators can help assist you to craft the perfect treatment plan for you that's tailored to your needs. We provide speedy matches to quality care, and also provide the flexibility to switch your therapist or group at anytime ensuring that you're always meeting with the right therapist fit at a time that's convenient for your schedule. Whatever type of therapy you’re seeking, Grouport offers a range of options to suit your schedule and preferences. Explore our programs to find the support you need. If you need help finding the right type of therapy, schedule a free call with a care coordinator here.
Through a weekly tight-knit group, you'll gain consistent care and support needed to address your primary challenges. Get effective and affordable treatment.
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