How Similar Are the Symptoms for Bipolar and ADHD?

Bipolar disorder is a condition that causes dramatic mood swings. Individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder will have periods of extreme mania followed by periods of extreme depression. ADHD is a disorder affecting a person's ability to control impulses and to pay attention. Bipolar disorder and ADHD have some similar symptoms.

Inability to Concentrate

• During both the manic and depressive phase of bipolar disorder, affected individuals may have trouble concentrating. Those individuals with ADHD also have difficulty paying attention and are easily distracted.

Easily Distracted

• Both bipolar disorder and ADHD causes a person to be easily distracted.

Sleep Problems

• During both the manic and depressive phase of bipolar disorder, affected persons may have difficulty sleeping. Those individuals with ADHD may have trouble getting to sleep at night because they are unable to wind down.

Hyperactivity

• Manic episodes are often characterized by behaviors such as talking really fast, which may appear as hyperactivity. Those with ADHD also display hyperactivity.

Impulsive Behaviors

• During the manic phase of bipolar disorder, an affected individual may not think about the consequences of his behaviors. Individuals with ADHD often have trouble with impulse control and may act before they think about possible consequences.