While bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are two psychological well being issues, folks might mistake the signs of 1 for the opposite. Bipolar dysfunction is characterised by intense highs and lows in an individual's temper, power and talent to operate. Schizophrenia however is a dysfunction the place folks understand actuality abnormally and the signs might embrace hallucinations, delusions, and disordered considering and behavior. In case of bipolar dysfunction, an individual alternates between mania and depression, and in between additionally has regular moods. During mania episodes, an individual might have elevated temper, elevated power ranges, impulsive and dangerous behaviour, or problem focussing whereas throughout depressive part, an individual could also be missing in power, withdraw socially, turn out to be unhappy and hopeless and so on. (Also learn: Schizophrenia patients' symptoms grow by disrupted sleep, wakefulness trends? Here's what study says)

World Schizophrenia Awareness Day is noticed yearly on May 24 to boost consciousness across the situation and educate folks about its signs and remedy.

Bipolar dysfunction vs schizophrenia: What are the signs

“Bipolar dysfunction and schizophrenia are two distinct psychological well being issues with differing symptomatology. But there could be some overlap between their signs. Bipolar dysfunction is characterised by recurrent episodes of temper swings, alternating between intervals of mania and melancholy. During manic episodes, people expertise elevated or irritable moods, elevated power ranges, racing ideas, impulsivity, and a decreased want for sleep. They might have interaction in dangerous behaviours and have problem focusing or sustaining coherent conversations. Depressive episodes contain persistent emotions of unhappiness, hopelessness, low power ranges, modifications in urge for food and sleep patterns, problem concentrating, lack of curiosity in actions, and ideas of self-harm or suicide. The key characteristic of bipolar dysfunction is the biking between these manic and depressive states," says Dr Rituparna Ghosh, Consultant, Psychology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.

"Schizophrenia, on the other hand, is a chronic and severe mental disorder affecting a person's thinking, perception, emotions, and behaviour. It is characterized by positive symptoms, such as hallucinations (perceiving things that are not there) and delusions (fixed false beliefs), as well as disorganized thinking and speech. Negative symptoms, including reduced emotional expression, social withdrawal, and a lack of motivation, are also present. Unlike bipolar disorder, where mood fluctuations are central, schizophrenia primarily involves disruptions in thought processes and perception, with psychosis being a core feature," says Dr Ghosh.

Difference between bipolar dysfunction and schizophrenia

"One important distinction between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia is the presence of mood symptoms. Bipolar disorder is primarily characterized by distinct episodes of manic and depressive states, where the mood fluctuations are central to the disorder. In contrast, schizophrenia is characterized by disruptions in thinking, perception, and behaviour, with psychosis (hallucinations and delusions) being a central feature. Additionally, the age of onset differs between the two disorders. Bipolar disorder often emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood. Schizophrenia is typically more common in males," provides the knowledgeable.

"On World Schizophrenia Day, it is crucial to debunk misconceptions surrounding mental health disorders. Two commonly misunderstood conditions are bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Though they both cause distress, it is essential to recognize their distinct symptoms and characteristics. While both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia can disrupt daily life, distinguishing factors set them apart. A crucial distinction lies in the predominant symptoms. Bipolar disorder focuses on mood swings, while schizophrenia centres around distorted perceptions of reality like hallucinations and delusions. Furthermore, the timing and duration of symptoms differ. Bipolar disorder features distinct mood episodes with stable periods in between. In contrast, schizophrenia is often chronic, with symptoms persisting for a significant portion of a person's life," says Dr Pankaj B Borade, Consultant Psychiatrist, Ruby Hall Clinic.

Management of schizophrenia and bipolar dysfunction

"Schizophrenia and bipolar dysfunction are each continual and critical psychiatric issues with familial tendencies. To an untrained eye, a couple of overlapping signs between them might result in confusion and mismanagement. Bipolar dysfunction is primarily managed with the assistance of temper stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Psychotherapies may additionally be utilized for higher outcomes. The major administration of schizophrenia is finished with antipsychotics, and somatic remedy strategies like MECT (Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy) can be utilized. With sufficient administration, sufferers affected by schizophrenia and bipolar dysfunction can lead productive neighborhood lives, says Dr. Meenakshi Jain, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.