In my research and study on ADHD I have discovered that the symptoms can be similar to Bipolar Disorder. In order to receive proper treatment it is necessary to distinguish between the two diagnoses. The primary difficulties for those with ADHD are with cognitive functioning, including attention, distractibility and energy level. The primary difficulty for those with Bipolar Disorder is with mood regulation. Both disorders tend to run in families.
I have listed some of the symptoms related to ADHD, Bipolar or both disorders below. This is not a complete list but will give you a basic look at the differences and similarities of the two disorders. They can also occur together and it is much more common than most people realize. Many times one disorder is overlooked when both disorders are present.
Symptoms:
Some symptoms of ADHD include:
Poor follow-through
Poor listening skills
Task avoidance
Disorganized
Inconsistent
Easily overwhelmed
trouble changing activities
poor eye contact
Forgetfulness
Fidgetiness
Annoys others easily
Interrupts others
Often acts as if he or she is being driven by a motor
Rejection from peers and adults
Trouble thinking before they act live in the now
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Some symptoms of early onset of Bipolar Disorder include:
Temper tantrums generally triggered by limit-setting (i.e., a parental "NO") and conflict with authority figures
Oppositional
Mood swings
Racing thoughts
Aggressive behavior
daredevil acts
Pressured Speech
Prolonged Rages
Grandiose thinking
Depressed or elevated mood
oversensitivity to emotional or environmental triggers
Lethargy
Difficulty getting out of bed
Social anxiety
Hyper sexuality
Decreased need for sleep
suicidality with plan or intent
Symptoms that are seen in both ADHD and Bipolar disorder, but with subtle differences include:
Hyperactivity
Distractibility
mood instability
oversensitive to stimulation
overreaction to stress
irritability
Impulsive
Low Self-Esteem
Treatment: Stimulants are the primary treatment for those with ADHD while Mood Stabilizers are the primary treatment for Bipolar disorder. For those with both disorders it is important to note that mood stabilizers dont seem to make ADHD worse, but stimulant medicines (and antidepressants) can make bipolar disorder worse. However, stimulants and mood stabilizers can be used simultaneously in many cases for those with both disorders.
The main difference between the two disorders appears to be the grandiosity and the elated mood seen in Bipolar disorder, which does not appear in ADHD. What makes diagnosis even harder is the overlap between the symptoms and the fact that 50 to 80% of those with bipolar disorder also have ADHD.
If you suspect either ADHD or Bipolar in yourself or a loved one it is important to educate yourself about both disorders so that you can discuss it with your doctor.
For more information on Bipolar and ADHD:
Is it Bipolar Disorder or ADHD?
Mood Disorder Questionnaire
The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is a 13-item checklist developed by Robert M. A. Hirschfeld, MD. The MDQ is designed to help your doctor determine what type of mood disorder you may be experiencing. You can print this questionnaire, fill it out, and give it to your doctor.
The bipolar child
The Bipolar Survival Guide
Loving Someone with Bipolar
Add To C3 Kids
- The all-natural, drug-free way for children, teens and adults to win against ADD and ADHD

