Schizophrenia Versus Bipolar Disorder - What's the Difference?

In Dr. J. Michael Bostwick's article, "What is the Difference between Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder," he tells readers, "Basically a bipolar disorder or manic depression, will affect a person where they have period of mania or depressions, and then they have other periods where they are completely normal where there mood is reasonable. Both schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, by definition, include elements of psychosis, which bipolar disorder doesn't have to have. With schizophrenia -- the thought disorder -- or the psychosis, is present all the time. In schizoaffective disorder, the person essentially has the thought disorder all the time, with mood episodes superimposed upon it." (Mayo clinic)

Bipolar Disorder symptoms

With manic depression or Bipolar, a person's mood can swing the pendulum from being severely depressed and possibly even suicidal, to euphoric. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance reports that nearly "6 million adults in the US have bi-polar disorder, and it is often diagnosed in the teen years though the problem affects women and men, children and adults equally."

Symptoms range from the depressed side: being lethargic and withdrawn, not taking pleasure in former interests, thoughts of suicide or irritability and anger - to on the manic side: grandiose thoughts, racing speech, flight of ideas, exaggerated self confidence, and decreased need for sleep without experiencing fatigue.
(Support Alliance). To learn more: Mood Disorders , Introduction to Bipolar and Mood Disorders

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia symptoms are similar to Bipolar Disorder, says the HelpGuide.org. Understanding Schizophrenia:

The most common early warning signs of schizophrenia include:

- Social withdrawal

- Hostility or suspiciousness

- Deterioration of personal hygiene

- Flat, expressionless gaze

- Inability to cry or express joy

- Inappropriate laughter or crying

- Depression

- Oversleeping or insomnia

- Odd or irrational statements

- Forgetful; unable to concentrate

- Extreme reaction to criticism

- Strange use of words or way of speaking

(HelpGuide.org)

People with schizophrenia believe others are trying to harm them. They sometime see or hear things that don't exist. These are called hallucinations. Schizophrenics may feel that they are being watched. Surprisingly, schizophrenia is not that rare; the lifetime risk of developing schizophrenia is widely accepted to be around 1 in 100. (HelpGuide)

Sometimes the cause of psychotic disorders is related to a chemical the body produces called dopamine. Dopamine is a substance in the brain that acts as a neurotransmitter, or a message center. An imbalance of dopamine affects the way the brain reacts to certain stimuli, such as sounds, smells and sights, and can lead to hallucinations and delusions. (Medicine Net)

Depression and mental illness are serious and if you or someone you know suffers from bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or other mental disorders, there are psychiatric services available to get help.

Getting professional help for mental health disorders

Medicine.Net suggests that if you, a friend or family member think that there is something wrong; get help through a complete physical and psychological diagnostic evaluation by professionals. Don't try and self diagnose.

Once a mental disorder or depression is determined, there are various courses of treatment including: "Vitamins and other nutritional supplements like vitamin D, folate, and vitamin B12 may be useful in alleviating depression, either alone or in combination with an antidepressant medication. Another intervention from alternative medicine is St. John's Wort (Hypernicum perforatum). St. John's Wort has been found to be helpful for some individuals who suffer from mild to moderate depression, but it is recommended to consult a physician first." (Medicine.Net)

Clinical therapy and medicines are also available to help and regulate depression. If someone is talking about suicide or acting out in a particularly self destructive manner, do not hesitate to call 911. Often times, those who are suffering from these disorders have a difficult time recognizing that there is a problem, and they may feel so depressed that they don't feel they warrant receiving help. Many times, it is important for family and friends to take the lead and insist that the person affected, get help.

The main differences between bipolar and schizophrenics

Bipolar disorder affects people's mood swings and how they feel about themselves; Schizophrenia affects people's moods but in a way removed from reality, and how they perceive and hear others. Schizophrenics hallucinate in addition to their catatonic or erratic speech, and people with bipolar disorder do not.

Sources:

What is the Difference between Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder, Dr. Michael Bostwick, Mayo clinic

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

Understanding Schizophrenia Help Guide.org

Introduction to Bipolar and Mood Disorders, Support Alliance

Depression, Medicine.net