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ADHD & Cyclothymia in Children

ADHD and cyclothymia often occur simultaneously in children. ADHD is a disorder than prevents children from sustaining attention and controlling hyperactive behavior. Clyclothymia is a mild version of bipolar disorder.

  1. Features

    • According to Drugs.com, cyclothymic disorder is a type of bipolor disorder characterized by mild to moderate episodes of mania and depression. Individuals with cyclomania are still in touch with reality throughout their alternating episodes of mania and depression. ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is characterized by an inability to pay attention and to control impulses.

    Significance

    • A study published by the National Institutes of Health showed that children with cyclothymia are at an increased risk of developing ADHD. In addition, children with ADHD are at an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder.

    Considerations

    • Bipolar disorder may possibly be misdiagnosed as ADHD, and vice versa; however, they often occur together.

    Treatments

    • Cyclothymia usually is treated with therapy and medications such as lithium, Valproate, Tegretol, Lamictal, Trileptal, Neurontin, Zonegran or Topamax. ADHD is usually treated with either stimulate medications, non-stimulate medications or antidepressants.

    Warning

    • Some medications prescribed for ADHD actually may make symptoms of cyclothmia worse. Medications should be chosen carefully and monitored by a physician.

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