When someone you love is acting differently, it can feel scary. You might worry about their health. Mental health can be hard to understand. Many families feel confused when a loved one shows signs of a mental illness. You might ask yourself what is going on. Two conditions that confuse people are bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Both can change how a person acts. But they are very different from each other. Learning the signs can help you get the right care for your family member.
At CK Wellness, PLLC, we provide personalized psychiatric care for people dealing with conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other mental health concerns.
Below, we will help you understand the simple differences between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia so you can find the right help.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is all about big feelings. It changes a person’s mood in big ways. People with this sickness have extreme moods.
Sometimes they feel very happy and have a lot of energy. This is called a high. During a high, they might talk very fast. They might sleep for just two hours but say they are not tired. They might spend lots of money or do unsafe things.
Then, their mood drops. This is called a low. During a low, they feel very sad. They might cry a lot or stay in bed all day. They might stop eating. They feel like there is no hope at all.
The most important thing to know is that bipolar disorder changes their energy. Their mood goes way up and then it goes way down.
At CK Wellness, PLLC, we help people understand and manage mood changes.
What Is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is not the same. It does not just change their mood. It changes how they see the real world. A person with schizophrenia gets confused. They do not know what is real and what is fake.
A person with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations. A hallucination is when someone hears, sees or smells something that is not really there. They might hear voices in their head. You cannot hear these voices, but to your loved one, they are loud.
A person may also have delusions. A delusion is a strong belief in something that is not true. They might also have thoughts that are just not true. They might think people are trying to hurt them.
They might also have a hard time talking. Their words might get mixed up. They might look blank and not show feelings on their face.
The main thing to know is that schizophrenia breaks their tie to the real world. Their brain tricks them.
The Main Differences Between Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia Families Should Look For
It is important to look at the main problem. Ask yourself what is causing the most trouble for your loved one.
If the main problem is extreme changes in energy, it might be bipolar disorder. You will see them bouncing off the walls one week and staying in bed the next week. Their mood is the biggest issue.
If the main problem is strange thoughts, it might be schizophrenia. You will see them talking to people who are not there. You will notice they believe things that do not make sense. Their connection to real life is the biggest issue.
Sometimes, a person with bipolar disorder can have strange thoughts during a very bad high or low. But with schizophrenia, these strange thoughts happen even when their mood is completely normal.
People with bipolar disorder often feel like themselves again between mood shifts. People with schizophrenia need more daily support most of the time.
How You Can Help Your Loved One
Seeing a family member go through this is hard. But you can do a lot to help. First, be very kind. Please do not yell or get mad. If they say they hear a voice, do not argue with them. You can say you know they are scared, but you do not hear the voices.
Write things down in a notebook. Write down if they sleep. Write down if they eat. Write down the strange things they say. The doctor needs to know what happens at home.
The best thing you can do is help them find professional care. Mental health is just like physical health. It needs a good doctor to help them get better.
Care and Support at CK Wellness, PLLC
Getting the right help is the most important step. At CK Wellness, PLLC, we are here to support your whole family with respect and expert care.
Dr. K. Gajaraj and Shirnett Khorran-Gajaraj lead our team. We offer expert psychiatric care for many conditions.
We treat mood disorders, schizophrenia, and other mental health concerns. We will listen to your family member. We will find out what is wrong and make a special plan to help them get better.
We serve adolescents aged 16 and older, adults and seniors and offer both in-person care in Hingham, Massachusetts and telehealth appointments.
We take many insurance plans, like Medicare and Medicaid. We also take private pay.
Your family is not alone in this hard time. Please reach out to CK Wellness, PLLC today to get started.
FAQs
Can someone have both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia?
Yes, sometimes. Doctors call this schizoaffective disorder. A doctor can help figure it out.
How do doctors determine the condition?
Doctors don’t use blood tests for mental health issues. They conduct a thorough evaluation, discussing it with the person, reviewing medical history, and considering family observations.