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ADHD Vs. Bipolar Disorder in Adults

Bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a tendency to look similar, especially in children. The difference in symptoms is more distinguishable in adulthood. The primary disturbance in bipolar disorder is mood, whereas the disturbance in ADHD is impulse control. Identifying the difference in diagnostic criteria will determine the type of treatment plan recommended and prevent worsening of symptoms.

  1. Bipolar Disorder

    • Enduring symptoms of bipolar disorder includes the experience of both manic and depressive episodes. Manic symptoms include periods of little to no sleep, extreme creativity, high energy levels, inflated self-esteem and risky behavior, possibly including major shopping sprees, gambling or indiscriminate sexual behavior. Depressive symptoms include feelings of extreme sadness, appetite changes, loss of pleasure, lethargy and suicidal thoughts or gestures.

    Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

    • Enduring symptoms of ADHD includes the experience of poor impulse control, inattention and hyperactive behavior. ADHD symptoms are consistent with the inability to concentrate, short attention span, forgetfulness, difficulties planning ahead, being easily distracted, interrupting others and impulsive behavior.

    Similarities

    • Acting on impulse without thinking is characteristic of both ADHD and bipolar disorder. The impulsive behavior in ADHD is consistent over a long period of time--6 months in order for the diagnosis to be made. The impulsive behavior in bipolar disorder is typically associated with the particular mood episode one is going through, specifically mania. Additionally, hyperactive behavior may be observed in individuals during a manic episode. Concentration and focus are impacted in both conditions.

    Differences

    • Undergoing mood episodes as part of a bipolar disorder is different than the experience of ADHD. ADHD may have secondary mood disturbance as a result of how ADHD symptoms interfere with functioning and performance at school or work. Bipolar mood swings are typically uncontrollable without the awareness that the condition is present. Bipolar disorder has the tendency to be more severe than ADHD due to high risk behavior and the possibility of suicidal behavior.

    Treatment

    • Recommending therapy and medication for both ADHD and bipolar disorder is appropriate. However, the treatments are very different from one another. Certain types of medication used for ADHD may end up making bipolar mania worse, such stimulants and some antidepressants. The types of therapy used for ADHD will focus on how to improve impulse control, whereas therapy for bipolar disorder will focus on the management of moods.

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