Schizophrenia Vs Bipolar Disorder-- What's the Difference?

Mental illness in our country has become quite more prevalent over the years. The illnesses have been around for quite some time, but in recent years the numbers have increased. Despite what scientists know and our availability to learn on the Internet many people still only have vague ideas about what certain mental illnesses are. In order to better understand what people afflicted with mental illnesses are going through, we as a society need to have at least a basic grasp of what each mental illness is. Here are 2 common mental illnesses that sometimes get confused-- schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Hopefully this will clear up any confusion that you might have.

Schizophrenia is a disorder where one has problems with perception or expression of reality. These people can have hallucinations, paranoid delusions, and disordered speech and thinking with minimal social or occupational issues. People who get schizophrenia usually do so in young adulthood. The disease can shorten the persons life span as well because of health problems and increased instance for suicide. People with schizophrenia can take anti-psychotic medication to lessen the delusions caused by the disease.

Bipolar disorder on the other hand is characterized by mood disorders where the person will have a manic state for a period of time, followed by a depressive state for a period of time. This disorder is sometimes called manic-depressive disorder. People suffering from bipolar disorder can have periods of normal moods as well. Bipolar disorder takes affect in people in their late teens and young adulthood. People suffering from bipolar disorder can take medicines to combat their mood swings.

While some people may think that these disorders are similar in essence they are not. Schizophrenia's main component is hallucinations and paranoid delusions. Bipolar disorder's symptoms are periods of mania and periods of depression. Yes, there are some similarities between the two (like when they can occur in the person), but these two disorders are very different and very complex. This is only a very, very brief explanation. To learn more about these disorders check out the two attached links.

Sources: "Schizophrenia Wiki", Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizophrenia

"Bipolar Disorder Wiki", Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder