Yes, unfortunately the vernacular usage of the word bipolar, and actual bipolar disorder, are significantly different. The vernacular usage of 'bipolar' implies

Yes, unfortunately the vernacular usage of the word bipolar, and actual bipolar disorder, are significantly different. The vernacular usage of 'bipolar' implies sudden mood swings and black/white thinking, whereas bipolar disorder implies episodes of mania or depression that typically last weeks to months. It also doesn't help that people consistently confuse bipolar disorder with BPD because the acronym could work for either.