Differences Between Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia

Differences Between Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Print Differences Between Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial policy Marcia Purse Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on July 14, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 06, 2020 PeopleImages/Getty Images More in Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Mania and Hypomania Depression Diagnosis Treatment Psychosis, which includes hallucinations and delusions, is a hallmark symptom of schizophrenia. People with bipolar I disorder can have psychotic symptoms during mania and/or depression, and those with bipolar II can have them during an episode of depression. So while bipolar disorder and schizophrenia can share a set of serious symptoms, when distinguishing between the two disorders, doctors look at the differences between symptoms and also give different weight to some of the shared symptoms. Symptoms of Schizophrenia These are the main symptoms of schizophrenia in adults:??  1. For most of a month, a patient must have two of these symptoms: DelusionsHallucinationsDisorganized speech â€" Derailment or incoherence (also known as word salad) where there is no connection between spoken words at all. For example, Coffee abstract welcome tiptoes glue kitchen puppy. If only one of these symptoms is present, one of the following must also appear: Extreme and abnormal psychomotor behavior, which includes catatoniaNegative symptomsAlogia â€" A reduction in the amount of speech or quality of speechFlattened affect â€" Having little or no emotionAnhedonia â€" Loss of pleasureAvolition â€" Severe lack of initiative 2. At the same time, theres a marked decrease in at least one important area of functioning, such as: WorkSchoolRelations with othersSelf-care, such as cleanliness In addition to the month of acute symptoms, the overall disturbance must have persisted for at least six months. Symptoms of Schizophrenia Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder None of the symptoms of delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech and behavior have to be present for someone to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, although they may be present. In fact, the only requirement for a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder is that the patient has had one manic episode; though depression is also common, it isnt required for a diagnosis.?? And for bipolar II, the requirements are almost as simple: no manic episodes, at least one hypomanic episode, and at least one major depressive episode. In bipolar disorder, another requirement is that the symptoms cause significant problems with occupational and/or social functioning. This is similar to number two under schizophrenia, but the reasons for the impairment are, in general, profoundly different. Most Common Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder Diagnostic Differences Heres a summary of the differences between the diagnostic requirements for the two illnesses: Diagnostic Differences Between Schizophrenia and Bipolar Schizophreniaâ€"Required Symptoms Bipolar Disorderâ€"Required Symptoms 1. Two or more of these symptoms:Required: Hallucinations or delusionsMay be required: Disorganized speech, abnormal psychomotor behavior, negative symptoms2. A significant decrease in the level of occupational, social, and/or personal functioning Bipolar I: A single manic episode, which may or may not include psychosisBipolar II: At least one hypomanic episode, and at least one major depressive episode (which may or may not include psychosis)Both: Clinically significant disruption with occupational and/or social functioning Schizophreniaâ€" Duration Bipolar Disorderâ€" Duration Overall, six months. During that time, the symptoms listed in #1 must be present most of the time for at least one month (can be less if early treatment succeeds in controlling them). Bipolar I: Manic episode lasting at least 1 week.Bipolar II: Hypomanic episode lasting at least 4 days, and depressive episode lasting at least 2 weeks. The 9 Best Online Therapy Programs