From the Guidelines
Bipolar I disorder and borderline personality disorder can significantly impair academic functioning through symptoms such as mood episodes, emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and unstable relationships, which can be managed with a combination of medication and psychotherapy, as well as academic accommodations like extended deadlines and reduced course loads.
Symptoms of Bipolar I Disorder
The symptoms of bipolar I disorder that can limit academic function include:
- Mood episodes, specifically manic phases, characterized by racing thoughts, distractibility, poor judgment, and reduced need for sleep, making it difficult to focus on assignments or attend classes regularly 1
- Depressive episodes, marked by fatigue, concentration problems, and lack of motivation, which can prevent completion of academic work
- These symptoms can be addressed through psychopharmacology, as well as adjunctive psychosocial therapies, such as psychoeducational therapy, relapse prevention, individual psychotherapy, and social and family functioning interventions 1
Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
The symptoms of borderline personality disorder that can impact academic functioning include:
- Emotional dysregulation, leading to unstable relationships with professors and peers
- Impulsivity, affecting decision-making and behavior in academic settings
- Identity disturbance, influencing academic goals and motivation
- Black-and-white thinking, resulting in academic perfectionism or giving up entirely
- Stress-induced paranoia or dissociation during high-pressure academic situations
Management and Accommodations
Treatment for both conditions typically involves a combination of:
- Medication, such as mood stabilizers like lithium or valproate for bipolar disorder, and sometimes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for borderline personality disorder
- Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy
- Academic accommodations, such as extended deadlines, reduced course loads, or recorded lectures, can help manage symptoms and support academic success 1
From the Research
Symptoms of Bipolar I Disorder
- Mood swings, which can range from manic highs to depressive lows 2
- Impulsivity, which can lead to reckless behavior and poor decision-making 2
- Difficulty with goal-directed behavior, which can impact academic performance 2
- Emotional dysregulation, which can make it challenging to manage stress and emotions in an academic setting 2
Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
- Emotional dysregulation, which can lead to intense mood swings and emotional reactivity 2
- Impulsivity, which can result in self-destructive behaviors and poor decision-making 3, 2
- Difficulty with interpersonal relationships, which can impact academic collaborations and interactions with peers and instructors 3
- Anxiety and depression, which can significantly impact academic functioning and overall well-being 3
Overlapping Symptoms
- Emotional dysregulation, which is a common feature of both bipolar I disorder and borderline personality disorder 2
- Impulsivity, which can be present in both conditions and can impact academic decision-making and behavior 3, 2
- Mood instability, which can make it challenging to maintain a consistent academic routine and performance 4, 2
Impact on Academic Function
- Difficulty with time management and organization due to impulsivity and emotional dysregulation 2
- Challenges with maintaining consistent academic performance due to mood instability and emotional reactivity 4, 2
- Struggles with interpersonal relationships and collaborations, which can impact group work and academic interactions 3
- Increased risk of academic withdrawal or dropout due to overwhelming emotional and psychological distress 5