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In contrast, borderline personality disorder features rapid mood swings, often happening within hours. A person with BPD might shift from anger to sadness or anxiety in a very short time, sometimes within the span of an hour. Such swift changes are not just mood fluctuations but are often reactive and emotionally intense, contributing to unstable relationships and impulsive behaviors. The rarity of a mood lasting more than a few days makes BPD's mood instability less predictable than bipolar episodes.
Underlying Causes and Clinical Features
Another critical difference pertains to the underlying nature of the disorders.