Differences Between Bipolar & Addison's

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by extremes in temperament and behavior. With Addison's disease the adrenal glands don't make enough hormones. Fatigue, pain, irritability, appetite problems and depression are symptoms these conditions share. Everything else about the disorders is different.

Causes

• Causes of bipolar disorder include biochemical changes in the brain, genetics and environmental factors like stress. Addison's disease can be caused by infection, blood-thinning drugs and the immune system attacking the adrenal glands.

Bipolar Symptoms

• Bipolar disorder symptoms can include high (mania) or low (depression) mood swings. Manic symptoms can include racing thoughts, aggressive or risky behavior, and increased sex drive. Depression symptoms can include hopelessness, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

Addison's Symptoms

• Symptoms of Addison's disease include extreme weakness, sluggish movement, the unnatural darkening of skin color, mouth lesions and unintentional weigh loss.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosing bipolar disorder includes a physical exam, blood tests, urinalysis and a psychological evaluation. Addison's disease is diagnosed through blood tests, x-rays, abdominal CT scans and tests to measure hormone levels.

Treatment

• Bipolar disorder is often treated with mood stabilizers, anti-seizure medication, antidepressants, psychotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy. Addison's disease is treated with hormone replacement therapy.

Complications

• Complications of the two disorders differ. Bipolar complications include substance and alcohol abuse, isolation and suicide. Addison's complications include thyroid problems, ovarian or testicular problems, and diabetes.