Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are different chronic (long-term) mental health conditions. However, there are some similarities and differences; both have similar risk factors and usually develop at the same phase of life.

In this article, you will get to know the similarities and differences between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, methods of diagnosis, and the options for treatment.

Major differences between Bipolar disorder and Schizophrenia

The main feature of bipolar disorder is changes in mood, activity level, and energy. If you have bipolar disorder, you may experience mania and depression and will go through periods of severe mood swings.

In contrast, the main feature of schizophrenia is psychosis ( separation from or distortion of reality). Psychosis usually shows up as hallucinations or delusions.

Hallucinations include seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, or experiencing events not present in real life. Delusions are false, illogical beliefs.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder 

Individuals with bipolar disorder often experience depressed episodes that last for weeks, months, or even years and then cycle into periods of extreme, intense mood fluctuations. Symptoms vary between manic and depressive stages.

Manic symptoms include:

• Overthinking 
• Anxious 
• Sleep deprived 
• Engaging in dangerous behavior 
• Talking rapidly 

Depressive symptoms include:

• Sleeping too much
• Sadness, melancholy 
• Lack of interest 
• Feelings of hopelessness 
• Talking at a low pace 
• Suicidal thoughts 

Symptoms in schizophrenia

People living with schizophrenia struggle to express their feelings. 

Symptoms include: 

• Paranoia
• Aural and visual hallucinations 
• disorganised ideas and speech
•  Issues with attention and concentration

These symptoms can be upsetting and make daily life challenging for people with schizophrenia.

Similarities in Symptoms

Both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia cause major emotional disruptions and usually show symptoms that overlap.

• Hallucinations
• Illusions 
• Extreme fluctuations in mood 

In some cases, bipolar disorder-related or depressed episodes cause psychotic symptoms resembling schizophrenia.

Differences in Symptoms

Even though there are similarities between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, there are significant differences. Those with schizophrenia may suffer from functional impairment, such as social disengagement, while individuals with bipolar disorder may have mood fluctuations and increased activity level. 

Schizophrenia can cause more severe and more persistent psychotic symptoms, including disorganised thought and speech that may not be present in bipolar disorder. 

What are the Causes of Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia?

Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are believed to stem from genetic, biological, and environmental causes.

Genetics

Genes seem to be an important factor for both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Twin studies have found that identical twins are more likely to share a diagnosis of schizophrenia than non-identical twins. These results confirm that genes could also influence prior research that altered brain connectivity. 

Additionally, bipolar disorder is linked to genetic elements. Twin studies have found comparable results for shared diagnosis between identical and nonidentical twins.  

Biology

If a person has biological factors before birth, such as maternal infections, prenatal stress, and maternal malnutrition, this can also contribute to schizophrenia. Additionally, there is research going on whether prenatal events influence the development of bipolar disorder.

There is a higher risk of schizophrenia linked to parental factors such as emotional stress, infections, delivery problems, low oxygen levels, and fetal pain.

Environment 

A person’s surroundings and community can affect the risk of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Although environmental factors may not cause these disorders, studies suggest they might contribute to symptoms in those genetically more likely to get them. 

Researchers believe that substance misuse or extreme stress might lead to metabolic changes in the body. 

Can schizophrenia and bipolar disorder coexist?

Bipolar disorder is categorised as a mood disorder, and schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder. Though these disorders can coexist. There is another diagnosis known as schizoaffective disorder, which shows the overlapping symptoms, such as psychosis with manic and depressive phases. 

Diagnosis and Treatments 

Medication and psychotherapy taken together can help treat both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.  

Diagnosis 

Healthcare professionals cannot use blood tests to diagnose bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. They conduct a physical and clinical evaluation and ask you about personal and family history, medical history, and symptom analysis. Proper diagnosis is critical for effective treatment and management of symptoms.

Medication

In schizophrenia, the major medication used in treatment is antipsychotics, which assist in reducing psychotic symptoms. In bipolar disorder, the main medications include mood stabilizers, lithium, and some antipsychotics can also be used as mood stabilizers.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can teach a person strategies to better manage symptoms.

Therapies for schizophrenia disorder include Cognitive behavioural therapy, behavioural skill training, supported employment, and cognitive remediation interventions.

Therapies for bipolar disorder include Cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), and family-focused therapy are among the bipolar disorder treatments available.

Individuals who have depressive episodes and/or manic episodes of bipolar disorder may find benefit from electroconvulsive (ECT) therapy. ECT has been studied as a possible therapy for schizophrenia. Though it will alleviate some symptoms in the short term. However, it is not considered a routine therapy for schizophrenia.

Other coping strategies include:

• Avoiding substances and drug use
• joining a support group
• maintaining lifestyle habits, such as exercising daily, eating a balanced diet, and following a sleep schedule 
• seeking help from family and friends

Key Takeaways

Both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia lead to severe distress and problems in managing relationships. While these conditions cannot be cured, they can be treated with therapy and medication. They both overlap considerably in terms of symptoms, familial patterns, risk genes, outcome, and treatment response. Once a diagnosis is made and treatment is started, a person’s symptoms may usually be controlled, and their quality of life and safety may improve.

For those with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, keeping a regular schedule, lowering stress, eating healthy food, and being active can all contribute to a better overall outcome for people with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Reach out to Brainpower Wellness Institute today!

With a timely and accurate diagnosis, you take the first step toward living a happier and more fulfilling life. Brain Power Wellness Institute is a trusted platform that assists individuals in finding the right treatment for their mental health needs. 

It’s always a good time to start working on mental health.