Bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder

Abstract

Bipolar disorder (BD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) are two disabling psychiatric conditions that are associated with a high rate of comorbidity and mortality (approximately 10% of BPD patients suffer from BD I disorder and another 10% show a comorbid BD II disorder). Up to date, the relationship between BD and BPD is controversial, and the debate on whether or not BPD should be considered within a broader bipolar spectrum is still ongoing. According to the literature, the underestimation of comorbidity rates between these disorders could lead to a significant delay in diagnosis and planning of appropriate treatments. In addition, this would lead to an increased risk of exposure to improper medications, a poorer outcome and a higher risk of complications. In this chapter we present a clinical case of a patient who suffers from BD and BPD. The discussion of this case report draws attention to the challenges associated with the diagnosis and treatment of a wide population of psychiatric patients, whose symptoms and clinical history appear to be somehow overlapping between BD and BPD, considered as distinct disorders according to the current nosography.