Differentiating Between BPD and Bipolar Disorder in Clinical Practice

Join Saundra Jain, PsyD, adjunct clinical affiliate at The University of Texas at Austin, as she moderates a compelling discussion with Craig Chepke, MD, medical director of Excel Psychiatric Associates, and Rakesh Jain, MD, psychiatrist at Mental Wellness in Austin, Texas. They explore the subtle differences and overlapping symptoms between bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder (BPD), providing valuable insights for clinicians and mental health professionals. Discover practical tips, learn about the importance of screening for co-morbid conditions, and learn how to navigate complex diagnoses. The experts also discuss the implications of genetic and familial influences on these disorders and emphasize the critical role of sensitive, patient-centered language in psychiatric practice. 

Read the transcript here. 

Craig Chepke, MD, DFAPA, is a board-certified psychiatrist and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr Chepke is the medical director of Excel Psychiatric Associates in Huntersville, NC as well as an Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychiatry for Atrium Health. As part of an interdisciplinary treatment team, he employs a person-centered care model to tailor treatments to each individual's needs, integrating traditional pharmacotherapy with psychotherapeutic and physical health and wellness interventions.

Rakesh Jain, MD, MPH, attended medical school at the University of Calcutta in India. He then attended graduate school at the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston, where he was awarded a “National Institute/Center for Disease Control Competitive Traineeship”. He graduated from the School of Public Health in 1987 with a Masters of Public Health (MPH) degree. Dr Jain served a 3-year residency in Psychiatry at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. In addition, Dr Jain completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Research Psychiatry at the University of Texas Mental Sciences Institute, in Houston. He was awarded the “National Research Service Award” for the support of this postdoctoral fellowship.

Saundra Jain, MA, PsyD, LPC, is an adjunct clinical affiliate in the School of Nursing at The University of Texas at Austin and a psychotherapist in private practice. Dr Jain is a co-creator of the WILD 5 Wellness Program and co-author of a workbook written for those interested in improving their mental wellness titled KickStart30: A Proven 30-Day Mental Wellness Program. She is co-creator of the Psychedelics and Wellness Survey (PAWS), exploring the intersection between psychedelics and wellness. She serves as a member of the Psych Congress Steering Committee, providing direction regarding educational gaps and needs for mental health practitioners, and Sana Symposium, providing psychedelics education for mental health and addiction professionals.