Is Bipolar Disorder Really the Cause of Your Mood Swings?
Those with Borderline Personality Disorder report the extreme mood reactivity and mood lability.
Is Bipolar Disorder Really the Cause of Your Mood Swings?
Dr. Matt Goldenberg D.O.
I believe the public has a major misconception regarding which symptoms are consistent with bipolar disorder and which are not. It is evident when patients present for an initial psychiatric evaluation because they (or their family and friends) are worried that they are “bipolar.” However, in many cases, the symptoms they report are often consistent with a completely different class of diagnoses.
It is easy to confuse major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder and many of the personality disorders because they can all present with seemingly similar symptoms. These disorders can significantly impact a patient’s mood and quality of life. However, with proper evaluation and treatment, their prognoses are all much improved.
While the symptoms are similar, the treatments for these diagnoses are very unique. That is why is it so important to get the correct diagnosis!
The major misconception that I consistently come across is that many patients believe bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood changes over the course of a single day. This is absolutely not true and causes many people to unnecessarily believe they are “bipolar.”
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