Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar Disorder:

by | Oct 19, 2024 | 0 comments

Navigating Emotional Intensity

What is BPD with Bipolar Disorder?

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Bipolar Disorder are distinct conditions that can co-occur in some individuals. Studies suggest that up to 20% of individuals with BPD also meet criteria for Bipolar Disorder. When someone has both BPD and Bipolar Disorder, it creates a unique psychological profile that we’ll refer to as BPD-Bipolar.

The Diagnostic Evolution of BPD-Bipolar

Historically, the intense mood swings seen in BPD were often confused with the manic and depressive episodes of Bipolar Disorder, leading to potential misdiagnosis or incomplete treatment. Recent advancements in understanding emotional dysregulation have led to more nuanced diagnostic approaches, recognizing that these conditions can coexist and interact.

The Neurological Complexity of BPD-Bipolar

Brain imaging studies have shown that both BPD and Bipolar Disorder involve alterations in the limbic system and prefrontal cortex, affecting emotional regulation and impulse control. In BPD-Bipolar, these neurological differences interact in complex ways, creating a unique emotional landscape.

The Push-Pull of Overlapping Symptoms

Living with BPD-Bipolar often involves navigating intense and sometimes contradictory emotional experiences:

  • BPD can cause rapid mood shifts in response to interpersonal triggers, while Bipolar Disorder involves longer-lasting mood episodes
  • Both conditions can lead to impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors
  • Fears of abandonment in BPD may be amplified during depressive episodes of Bipolar Disorder

These overlapping traits can result in:

  • Difficulty in maintaining stable relationships due to intense emotional reactions and mood swings
  • Challenges in distinguishing between BPD-related emotional intensity and Bipolar mood episodes
  • Increased risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviors

Gender Differences in Presentation

BPD-Bipolar can manifest differently across genders:

  • Women may be more likely to receive a BPD diagnosis, while men might be more often diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder
  • Cultural factors can influence how emotional intensity is expressed and perceived
  • Hormonal fluctuations can impact symptom presentation in both conditions

Rethinking Treatment for BPD-Bipolar

Managing BPD-Bipolar requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both emotional dysregulation and mood stability. Innovative treatments showing promise include:

  1. Somatic Experiencing (SE): This body-oriented approach can help individuals with BPD-Bipolar regulate their nervous system and develop greater emotional stability. SE techniques can be particularly effective in addressing the physiological aspects of intense emotions.
  2. Lifespan Integration (LI): LI can help individuals with BPD-Bipolar create a more coherent sense of self across time, integrating past experiences and improving overall functioning. This gentle approach can be especially beneficial for those with complex trauma histories often seen in BPD.
  3. Brainspotting: This therapy can be effective in addressing both trauma-related neural patterns common in BPD and the mood dysregulation seen in Bipolar Disorder. By focusing on specific eye positions, brainspotting can help process emotional intensity and improve mood stability.
  4. qEEG Brain Mapping: This non-invasive assessment tool can provide valuable insights into the specific brain activity patterns of individuals with BPD-Bipolar. The resulting data can guide personalized treatment plans, including neurofeedback interventions to address emotional dysregulation and mood instability.

These approaches, combined with traditional interventions like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for BPD and mood stabilizers for Bipolar Disorder, can provide a comprehensive treatment plan for BPD-Bipolar.

The Strengths of a BPD-Bipolar Mind

While challenging, this psychological combination can also confer unique strengths:

  • Intense creativity and passion, particularly during periods of emotional or mood elevation
  • Deep empathy and emotional intuition
  • Ability to form profound connections with others
  • Resilience developed from navigating complex emotional experiences

Embracing the BPD-Bipolar Experience

Understanding BPD-Bipolar as a distinct profile is crucial for proper support and self-acceptance. It requires appreciating the complex interplay between emotional intensity and mood cycles, rather than viewing them as entirely separate issues.

For those living with BPD-Bipolar, developing personalized coping strategies is key. This might involve:

  • Practicing mindfulness techniques to increase emotional awareness and regulation
  • Building a strong support network that understands both BPD and Bipolar Disorder
  • Engaging in regular self-care activities to help stabilize mood and emotions
  • Learning to distinguish between BPD-related emotional reactions and Bipolar mood episodes

With the right combination of professional support, self-management strategies, and self-compassion, individuals with BPD-Bipolar can lead fulfilling lives that honor the complexity of their emotional experiences.

If you relate to the experiences described in this article, consider seeking an assessment from a mental health professional experienced in both BPD and Bipolar Disorder. Remember that your experiences are valid, and support is available to help you navigate this unique psychological profile.

Resources to ADHD Comorbid with Other Disorders

Taproot Therapy Collective (Birmingham, AL)

  • Treatments: Brainspotting, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Lifespan Integration, Parts-Based Therapy, Trauma Mapping.
  • Specialties: Specializes in trauma therapy, PTSD, anxiety, panic, and dissociative disorders. Their therapists use integrative methods to help clients heal from trauma at a deep, somatic level.
  • Website: gettherapybirmingham.com

    1. Crisis Center Birmingham (24/7 Crisis Line)

    • Phone: (205) 323-7777
      Provides immediate support for individuals in emotional distress, including suicide prevention, trauma, and mental health crises.
    • Website: crisiscenterbham.org

    2. Rape Response Line (Crisis Center Birmingham)

    3. Teen Link (Crisis Center Birmingham)

    • Phone: (205) 328-5465
      Teen-specific support line for youth in emotional or mental distress.
    • Website: crisiscenterbham.org

    4. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Serving Alabama)

    • Phone: 988
      A national 24/7 suicide prevention hotline accessible to individuals in Birmingham and the rest of Alabama.
    • Website: 988lifeline.org

    5. UAB Psychiatry Emergency Services

    • Phone: (205) 934-7008
      Provides immediate psychiatric evaluation and crisis intervention at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital.
    • Website: uabmedicine.org

    6. Alabama Domestic Violence Hotline

    • Phone: 1-800-650-6522
      24/7 support for individuals experiencing domestic violence, available statewide, including Birmingham.
    • Website: acadv.org

    7. Birmingham AIDS Outreach Crisis Line

    • Phone: (205) 322-4197
      Provides crisis support for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, including mental health services and support for LGBTQ+ communities.
    • Website: birminghamaidsoutreach.org

    8. Alabama 2-1-1 Call Center

    • Phone: 2-1-1
      A statewide information and referral line connecting individuals to crisis support services for housing, food, mental health, and substance abuse issues.
    • Website: 211connectsalabama.org

    9. Jefferson County Family Resource Center Crisis Line

    • Phone: (205) 945-6000
      Provides crisis intervention, including family support, domestic violence resources, and mental health services.
    • Website: jcfrc.org

    10. Veterans Crisis Line (Serving Birmingham)

    • Phone: 988 (Press 1)
      A specialized crisis line for veterans experiencing emotional distress, available nationwide and locally.
    • Website: veteranscrisisline.net

LGBTQ+ and Poly-Friendly Support

Magic City Acceptance Center (MCAC)

LGBTQ+ youth programs, adult support groups, and community events in Birmingham.

Website: mcacbham.org

Birmingham LGBTQ+ Circle of Healing

Support groups for LGBTQ+ individuals focusing on mental health and holistic wellness.

Contact through Magic City Acceptance Center.

Inclusive Therapists

Directory of therapists in Birmingham and Hoover specializing in LGBTQ+ and poly-friendly care.

Website: inclusivetherapists.com

PFLAG Birmingham

LGBTQ+ support groups for families and friends of LGBTQ+ individuals, offering mental health and advocacy resources.

Website: pflaga.org/birmingham

Steel City Spectrum

Provides support and resources for the transgender and gender-nonconforming communities in Birmingham.

Website: steelcityspectrum.org

Free & Low-Cost Therapy and Counseling

Impact Family Counseling (Birmingham, AL)

Provides sliding-scale counseling services for trauma, anxiety, depression, and family therapy.

Website: impactal.org

Firehouse Shelter (Birmingham, AL)

Offers mental health services and crisis support for homeless individuals in the Birmingham area.

Website: firehouseshelter.com

Pathways Birmingham

Women’s shelter offering mental health and trauma support for homeless women and children.

Website: pathwayshome.org

United Way of Central Alabama

Offers access to free or low-cost mental health counseling and crisis intervention through partnerships.

Website: uwca.org

BridgeWays Alabama

Offers family and youth counseling, including trauma recovery, on a sliding fee scale.

Website: bridgewaysalabama.org


Holistic & Alternative Therapy Centers

Taproot Therapy Collective (Birmingham, AL)

Offers holistic mental health services like Brainspotting, EMDR, and somatic trauma therapies.

Website: gettherapybirmingham.com

Birmingham Wellness Institute

Focuses on alternative healing practices such as yoga therapy, mindfulness, and EMDR.

Website: bhamwellness.com

Sojourn Counseling (Hoover, AL)

Provides integrative counseling with a focus on EMDR, trauma work, and mindfulness.

Website: sojourncounseling.com

Red Mountain Therapeutics (Birmingham, AL)

Offers somatic therapies, acupuncture, and integrative emotional healing for trauma recovery.

Website: redmountaintherapeutics.com

Shanti Healing Arts Center (Birmingham, AL)

Focuses on trauma-sensitive yoga, meditation, and holistic therapies for emotional and mental health.

Website: shantihealingarts.com


Lifespan Integration & Trauma Mapping

Birmingham Counseling Associates

Provides Lifespan Integration therapy for complex trauma and PTSD.

Website: bhamcounseling.com

Lifeline Counseling (Hoover, AL)

Trauma-informed care specializing in Lifespan Integration and Somatic Trauma Mapping.

Website: lifelinehoover.com

River Oaks Counseling

Offers Lifespan Integration and other trauma-focused therapies for PTSD and dissociation.

Website: riveroakscounseling.com

Emotional Wellness Counseling

Provides Lifespan Integration therapy and somatic trauma work.

Website: emotionalwellnesshoover.com


qEEG Brainmapping and Neurofeedback Resources

Focus-MD Birmingham

Specializes in ADHD treatment and qEEG brain mapping for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Website: focus-md.com

Birmingham Neurofeedback Clinic

Provides qEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback for trauma, anxiety, and ADHD.

Website: birminghamneurofeedback.com

Alabama Neurofeedback

Offers qEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback to improve brain function and emotional regulation.

Website: alneurofeedback.com

Covenant Neuropsychology

qEEG brain mapping services for trauma-related symptoms and neurological issues.

Website: covenantneuro.com

Psych Wellness South (Hoover, AL)

qEEG and neurofeedback services to treat anxiety, ADHD, and trauma.

Website: psychwellnesssouth.com


Poly-Friendly & Non-Monogamy Support

Inclusive Therapists

Directory for poly-friendly and non-monogamy affirming therapists in the Birmingham and Hoover areas.

Website: inclusivetherapists.com

Birmingham LGBTQ Circle of Healing

Offers support for polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships.

Contact through Magic City Acceptance Center.

Alabama Polyamory Network

A supportive community providing mental health resources for polyamorous individuals.

Contact via Meetup: meetup.com/polybirmingham

New Hope Counseling

Poly-friendly therapy services, offering support for non-traditional relationships.

Website: newhopecounselingbham.com

Open Counseling Birmingham

Provides mental health counseling for those in polyamorous or open relationships.

Website: opencounseling.com


Youth & Family Services

Oasis Counseling for Women and Children

Provides trauma therapy, parenting support, and family counseling.

Website: oasiscounseling.org

Children’s Aid Society of Alabama (Birmingham)

Family and individual counseling, including trauma services for children.

Website: childrensaid.org

Aletheia House

Mental health and substance abuse services for families, including trauma recovery programs.

Website: aletheiahouse.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham

Offers mentorship and emotional support for at-risk youth.

Website: bbbsbhm.org

The Exceptional Foundation

Provides support for children and adults with special needs, including mental health resources.

Website: exceptionalfoundation.org

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