Mental illnesses similar to bipolar disorder, often confused with it due to overlapping mood swings and impulsivity, include Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Cyclothymia, ADHD, and Schizoaffective Disorder, with BPD and cyclothymia being the closest, featuring intense emotional shifts and manic/depressive-like states, though differences lie in the triggers, duration of episodes, and underlying patterns.
Cyclothymia symptoms alternate between emotional highs and lows. The highs of cyclothymia include symptoms of an elevated mood (hypomanic symptoms). The lows consist of mild or moderate depressive symptoms. Cyclothymia symptoms are similar to those of bipolar I or II disorder, but they're less severe.
We'll explore the medical conditions that can mimic bipolar disorder—and why accurate diagnosis matters.
Conditions such as borderline personality disorder, major depressive disorder, ADHD, and schizoaffective disorder may mimic aspects of bipolar disorder, including mood swings, impulsivity, or episodes of depression and mania-like behavior.
As with many mental health disorders, research shows that it may result from a combination of: Genetics, as cyclothymia tends to run in families. Differences in the way the brain works, such as changes in the brain's neurobiology. Environmental issues, such as traumatic experiences or prolonged periods of stress.
Bipolar Disorder: Helping Someone During a Manic Episode
Relationships suffer, careers are lost, and physical health declines. Most importantly, untreated end-stage bipolar disorder symptoms can result in self-harm or suicidal actions. Even with treatment, about 37% of patients relapse into depression or mania within 1 year, and 60% within 2 years.
BPD is often mistaken for disorders like bipolar disorder or depression. It is treatable with consistent therapy and support from friends and family. Teens and adolescents with borderline personality disorder (BPD) might feel like they are the victims of a cruel curse.
At the outset, bipolar symptoms are commonly mistaken for ADHD, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and, in its more severe manifestations, as schizophrenia.
Bipolar disorders may feature: Moods that go back and forth between emotional highs, called mania or hypomania, and lows, called depression. Feeling on top of the world, superior to others, or that you're so strong that nothing can harm or change you.
You can use a 48 hour rule where you wait at least 2 full days with 2 nights sleep before acting on risky decisions. Review your decision to avoid a tempting, but risky, behaviour.
Factors that may raise the risk of getting bipolar disorder or cause the first episode include:
A daily routine for sleep, diet and exercise may help people with bipolar disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapy focuses on identifying unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replacing them with healthy, positive beliefs and behaviors. CBT can help find what triggers your bipolar episodes.
10 Warning Signs
Intense mood swings disrupting daily life. Cycles of depression with guilt, worthlessness, or suicidal thoughts. Risky behaviors (spending sprees, gambling, reckless driving). Surges in energy and multitasking.
Singer Charlene Soraia has cyclothymia and wrote a song about her experiences with the disorder. Radio and television presenter Matt Edmondson has spoken about his diagnosis of cyclothymia.
Maintaining a consistent daily routine, including regular sleep, meals, and activities, can also stabilize mood swings and help manage both manic and depressive episodes. Identifying and managing personal triggers, such as stress or substance use, is crucial in preventing a full bipolar episode.