BPD vs. Bipolar test (20 Items)

Photo of author
Updated:

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Bipolar disorder can be very confusing. It’s common to mistake one for the other. This is because, despite being distinct disorders, they have overlapping main symptoms.

The common symptoms of BPD and Bipolar disorder are:

  • Extreme mood swings
  • Impulsive behaviors
  • Difficulty managing emotions

Despite these similarities, BPD and Bipolar disorder are different in that the former is a personality disorder while the latter is a mood disorder.

BPD is mainly characterized by:

Bipolar disorder is characterized by:

  • Episodes of mania (high energy)
  • Episodes of depression (low energy)

If someone presents the symptoms of extreme mood swings, impulsivity, and difficulty controlling emotions, it can be hard to tell whether they have BPD or Bipolar disorder.

The key to differentiating BPD from bipolar disorder is to look at the origins and patterns of these symptoms.

Taking the BPD vs. Bipolar test

This test consists of 20 items on a 2-point scale, with options being Agree and Disagree. When you finish the test, you’ll get a separate score for BPD and Bipolar disorder. This test is not meant to be a diagnosis, but a high score can indicate a disorder.

If you get a high score on both, you probably have both. BPD and Bipolar disorder can co-occur.

BPD vs. Bipolar test

1. I experience extreme mood swings on a daily basis.

2. I don't have psychotic symptoms like delusions and hallucinations.

3. My sleep patterns don't fluctuate much.

4. I don't know who I am and what I want.

5. I have an extreme fear of abandonment.

6. I experience chronic feelings of emptiness.

7. My emotional reactions are triggered by conflicts, abandonment, and rejection.

8. I see people and things as all good or all bad.

9. My impulsivity stems from wanting to cope with intense emotions or avoiding feelings of emptiness.

10. I'm prone to self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

11. I tend to be stable when I'm not manic or depressed.

12. My mood swings last for days, weeks, or even months.

13. I experience delusions and hallucinations.

14. My sleep patterns tend to be very disturbed.

15. I experience periods of elevated mood, increased energy, and inflated self-esteem.

16. My emotional reactions can be random and not necessarily related to specific events.

17. My impulsive behaviors are driven by increased energy and grandiosity.

18. I experience phases of high sociability and extroversion.

19. I'm less likely to indulge in self-harm and suicidal ideation.

20. I can be extremely tired at times.