Distinguishing between borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder is challenging due to symptom overlap. However, through careful screening and history-taking, collateral information from sources familiar with the patient, and the use of appropriate screening instruments, one may arrive at the correct diagnosis that will lead to optimal treatment planning. Clinicians must also recognize the possibility of the comorbidity of bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, and how such comorbidity may lead to poorer outcomes. This article reviews some of the key differences seen between borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder in terms of neurobiology, heritability, longitudinal course, and subtle nuances in overlapping symptoms.
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Psychiatr Ann
. 2020;50(1):19–23.]
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