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Difference Between Gad & Bipolar 1

General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is classified as an "anxiety" disorder, whereas Bipolar 1 is a "mood" disorder. Irritability can be a symptom of both. Your doctor will determine whether you have GAD and Bipolar 1, or just Bipolar 1, based on the criteria described below.

  1. What is GAD?

    • If you are plagued by an excessive amount of anxiety and worry about day to day things, and you find it difficult to control the worry, you may have GAD.

    Symptoms of GAD

    • Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, restlessness, sleep problems and irritability may be signs of GAD. If the worry causes you distress or interferes with your ability to function well, you may have GAD.

    GAD or Bipolar 1?

    • If you experience the symptoms of GAD only during the course of a mood disorder like Bipolar 1, you may not be diagnosed with GAD. But if GAD symptoms have occurred when the mood disorder is in remission, you may be diagnosed with GAD in addition to the mood disorder.

    What is Bipolar 1?

    • If you have had a manic episode, and have never had clinical depression, you may have Bipolar 1.

    What is a Manic Episode?

    • If you have an abnormally euphoric or irritable mood that interferes with normal functioning, you may be having a manic episode. This includes symptoms such as less need for sleep, pressure to keep talking, being easily distracted, racing thoughts, and increased pursuit of risky activities.

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