Difference Between Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

Schizophrenia vs Bipolar Disorder
Both Schizophrenia and bipolar disorders are problems in the thought processes of a human being. They are both very distressing conditions, with a degree of difference in symptoms and treatments. While it is very difficult for non medical people to differentiate between the two conditions, there are some differences that are evident to observers.

The most obvious differences between Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are evident during the initial onset of the condition. Almost 30% of people who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder report that their condition started off with depression. A similar number of people also report that they had manic symptoms when their disease first started off. Only 9% of those surveyed remember psychotic experiences at the start of the disease.
As opposed to this, people who have been diagnosed with Schizophrenia have reported mostly bizarre and odd delusions at the onset of the disease.

Another difference in the symptoms can also be identified. For instance, bipolar patients are usually social in nature, especially when they are not depressed. You will remember that patients of bipolar disorder are prone to extremes of moods. At one time they are very social and active, while at other times, they are inactive and depressed. On the other hand, patients with Schizophrenia are usually withdrawn in nature.

It is also very important to note that both the disorders are influenced by environmental factors.

Another important difference relates to the family history. While patients with bipolar disorder may have family members who have other types of affective disorders, people who have Schizophrenia have a definite family history of the disease. In fact, the primary factor behind this condition relates to genes and a family history of the disease.

The symptom at the onset of the disorder is a clear indication of what it is going to develop into later. However, as with all other diseases, there is no absolute surety about these symptoms.

Both Schizophrenia and bipolar disorders can be effectively managed with the right therapy and medications. For this reason, it is very important to go for an early diagnosis.

Summary:

1. While bipolar disorders may start off with depression, Schizophrenia usually shows up as delusions and hallucinations
2. The genetic factor behind Schizophrenia is stronger than those behind bipolar disorder.
3. Patients with bipolar disorders are usually quite sociable and reasonable in their behavior, when they are mot depressed. However, people with Schizophrenia tend to be withdrawn and prefer to be alone.

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