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Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are often confused. Not many people know that they are two different disorders. Bipolar disorder is more commonly diagonised than schizophrenia. These terms have often been interchangeably used in the media and this has led to further misconception and confusion. Both these conditions have in fact little in common except the fact that people who are diagnosed with either of them are often stigmatised and misunderstood. It’s actually possible for bipolar and schizophrenic people to lead productive and functioning lives.

Bipolar disorder

People diagnosed with this illness are also described as manic depressive. This disorder is better understood than schizophrenia. In addition, treatment is possible using medications as well as psychotherapy.

People diagnosed with this disorder typically alternate between periods of extreme mania and intense depression. These phases may last from weeks to months at a time. During the mania or highs, they will often display increased levels of energy. They often embark on big, unrealistic projects that often remain uncomplete once the depression or lows hit.

When things come crashing down, these people will often experience sadness, lethargy and overwhelming hopelessness. There is simply no light at the end of the tunnel.

Bipolar disorder can diagnosed at any time during the course of a person’s life, in both men and women. It can be difficult to treat because when the person is experiencing a high, he or she will often stop taking the medication and antidepressants prescribed. In spite of this problem, many sufferers are generally able to cope with the moodswings and can lead relatively normal lives.

Schizophrenia

Less common than manic depressive disorder, this diagnosis if often made in a person’s late teenage years or in his or her early 20s. Unlike bipolar disorder, this condition affects more men than women. They often experience irrational thoughts and emotions such as hallucinations and delusions. Logical arguments are therefore relatively useless when presented to a schizophrenic patient.

Just like bipolar disorder, it is a challenge to treat schizophrenia because, understandably so, affected people are often unable to follow the treatment which consists of medication and psychotherapy. A disproportionally large number of schizophrenic people go off treatment and sometimes end up on the streets because they are unable to remain employed and have a limited or no support system.

There is help

Although both disorders are life-long conditions, they can be managed successfully. There is a vast body of knowledge online that consists of forums, discussion and support groups. But for treatment, it is important to build a strong relationship with a trusted mental health provider. Together with a large, solid support network, there is no reason for people diagnosed with either disorder to end up homeless and alone.

Tags: antioxidants, Depression, mental health