Bipolar disorder vs PTSD is a common question in the world of mental health. Both are serious conditions that impact daily life, relationships, and how someone feels about themselves.
At New View Wellness, we help people manage these challenges every day. This blog breaks it down in a simple, clear way to help you understand the differences and how we treat both.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes extreme changes in energy levels, thoughts, and behavior. These shifts, known as mood swings, range from high-energy states to deep low moods.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder include hypomanic episodes, major depressive episodes, and sometimes manic symptoms. People may feel high energy, talk fast, or sleep very little. Later, they may feel a low mood, have difficulty concentrating, or even experience suicidal thoughts.
There are different types, like Bipolar II and cyclothymic disorder. Each comes with its own mix of mood symptoms.
Causes include a mix of environmental factors, family history, and changes in brain structure. Stressful life events or childhood abuse can also play a role.
At New View Wellness, we offer accurate diagnosis using tools like the Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and provide treatment options such as mood stabilizers, talk therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Getting help from trained mental health professionals makes a huge difference in improving daily life.
What is PTSD?
PTSD stands for posttraumatic stress disorder. It happens after someone experiences a traumatic event like sexual assault, domestic violence, or a natural disaster.
Symptoms of PTSD often include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, panic attacks, and sleep disturbances. Some people have intrusive memories or avoid situations that remind them of the trauma.
There are different types, like acute stress disorder and complex PTSD. Complex post-traumatic stress disorder is linked to repeated trauma, like ongoing childhood abuse.
PTSD symptoms can overlap with other mental disorders like anxiety disorders or depressive symptoms, which makes an accurate diagnosis important.
Causes can include traumatic experiences, a history of trauma, or even a single stressful event. Rates of PTSD are higher in people with a family history of psychiatric disorders or substance abuse.
At New View Wellness, we use the latest treatment options like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR therapy), exposure therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. These therapies help reduce trauma-related symptoms and improve quality of life.
Key Differences Between Bipolar Disorder and PTSD
Understanding bipolar disorder vs PTSD starts with recognizing how the symptoms differ.
Bipolar disorder is mainly a mood disorder. It involves changes in mood, energy, and behavior—like manic symptoms, low mood, and hypomanic episodes. These mood changes are not tied to a specific event.
PTSD, on the other hand, is a stressor-related disorder caused by a traumatic event. It involves trauma-related symptoms like flashbacks, negative beliefs, and feeling on edge.
One big difference is timing. PTSD symptoms usually start after a stressful life event, while bipolar mood symptoms may come on without warning.
Another key point is how symptoms affect daily life. Bipolar patients may have rapid mood changes. Those with PTSD might avoid triggers or have severe symptoms after reminders of past trauma.
It’s also possible to misdiagnose one as the other due to similar symptoms like sleep disturbances or difficulty concentrating. That’s why working with mental health professionals trained in the Statistical Manual is important.
New View Wellness focuses on diagnostic criteria, making sure each person gets the appropriate treatment tailored to their condition.
Co-Occurrence: Can You Have Both?
Yes—you can have both bipolar disorder and PTSD. This is called comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder. It means someone has both conditions at the same time, which can make symptoms worse.
People with both often experience more severe symptoms, such as increased risk for suicidal ideation or suicide attempts. A rapid review of the literature and data from sources like the Journal of Affective Disorders show that this combination is common among those with a history of childhood trauma or sexual abuse.
Mental health disorders often overlap. PTSD may come from traumatic experiences, while bipolar symptoms may be triggered by environmental factors or a family history of mood disorders.
The presence of both conditions can also increase the likelihood of substance use disorder and lower quality of life if not treated properly.
At New View Wellness, we understand the clinical implications of having co-occurring disorders. Our outpatient services include psychiatry, med management, family therapy, and therapies like ACT and DBT that can treat both disorders together.
Living with Bipolar Disorder and PTSD
Living with both bipolar disorder and PTSD can be tough. Mood swings, trauma-related symptoms, and emotional ups and downs can affect our job, family, and relationships.
People often report changes in energy levels, emotional responses, and the ability to focus. These conditions may also lead to challenges like substance abuse, panic attacks, and chronic conditions if left untreated.
But there is hope. Mental health treatment, especially through a structured outpatient program like New View Wellness in Atlanta, makes managing both conditions more possible.
With support from mental health professionals and a treatment plan tailored to your needs, you can regain control. We focus on helping you manage high energy during hypomanic episodes and deal with flashbacks or intrusive thoughts from PTSD.
Living with mental health issues doesn’t mean you can’t thrive. With the right tools and support, many people go on to live fulfilling, balanced lives—even with a history of trauma or mood symptoms.
Coping Strategies and Support
Managing bipolar disorder vs PTSD takes strong support and healthy coping strategies.
Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and prolonged exposure help reframe trauma-related thoughts and manage mood symptoms. EMDR therapy is also effective for trauma recovery. These approaches can lower suicidal thoughts, reduce stress, and improve emotional control.
Medication like mood stabilizers can help with mood swings or depressive symptoms. For PTSD symptoms, therapy is often paired with medication depending on the case.
Talk therapy helps explore negative beliefs, while family therapy improves communication with loved ones. Group support or live video chat with a therapist can help people feel less alone.
Support from family members and mental health professionals is key. New View Wellness offers these services through our outpatient program.
We base our approach on real science—clinical trial data, systematic reviews, and tools like the Young Mania Rating Scale—while making everything understandable for clients.
Learning healthy coping skills and identifying early warning signs are crucial steps toward better mental health and fewer significant changes in daily life.
Clarity for the Road Ahead
Understanding bipolar disorder vs PTSD helps people get the right support. These mental health disorders are different, but both deserve care and attention.
At New View Wellness, we help people every day with accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and long-term support to improve mental health. If you or someone you love is struggling, contact us, we’re here to help.