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UNDERSTANDING KEY DIFFERENCES AND TREATMENT OPTIONS We’ve all had “those days,” right? Happy and laughing one day, down in the dumps the next. These instances of feeling happy and sad aren’t uncommon — life events (good or bad) and stress can bring about these shifts in mood. However, if you experience these feelings with increased intensity or frequency, you could be struggling with mental health issues from other underlying conditions such as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. BIPOLAR DISORDER VS. BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER (BPD) Both disorders have considerable overlap in symptoms, which can lead to misdiagnosis. Understanding the differences in the symptoms is key to providing the proper help people need. Bipolar Disorder: A mental disorder that causes extreme mood fluctuations, typically manic or depressive episodes. Family history plays a critical role in determining the cause of the disorder and changes in the makeup of your brain’s structure and chemistry. Some key symptoms of bipolar disorder include: Bipolar Disorder vs. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
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Skillet Chicken in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
• Extreme mood shifts • Impulsivity • Risky behaviors • Mood episodes lasting weeks or longer
INGREDIENTS • 2 tbsp butter •
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2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Treatment: Mood stabilizers like lithium, antipsychotics, and anti-convulsants are the primary forms of treatment for individuals with this disorder.
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1/4 cup pine nuts
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2 tbsp herbes de Provence
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1 cup spinach
Borderline Personality Disorder: As the name suggests, BPD is a personality disorder, but it’s also associated with mood changes (emotional dysregulation). Similar to bipolar disorder, genetics also is a determining factor in how the related symptoms occur. However, BPD is also linked to abuse and trauma, such as sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, as well as substance abuse from parents. Some key symptoms of BPD include:
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3/4 cup canned sun-dried tomatoes, drained and julienned
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Fresh thyme, for topping Salt and pepper to taste Cooked rice or linguine, for serving
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1 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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• Rapid changes in mood • Paranoia • Lack of self-worth • Mood episodes lasting hours or days
DIRECTIONS 1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 7–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside. 2. In the same pan, add garlic, herbes de Provence, tomatoes, chicken broth, cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, pine nuts, and spinach and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, and stir periodically until thickened and spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes. 3. Return chicken to the pan and top with salt, pepper, more Parmesan cheese, and thyme, and serve over rice or linguine.
Treatment: BPD is typically treated with psychotherapy, as well as medications that treat some of the associated symptoms.
As much as we focus on physical health, mental health is equally important. Because bipolar disorder and BPD have overlapping symptoms, seeking treatment from a medical professional is essential for an accurate diagnosis. If you or someone you know may be experiencing these symptoms, don’t go it alone. Please seek help.
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