ADHD Or Bipolar? Or Both?
ADHD, or Auditory Processing Hyperactive Disorder or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a common diagnosis in individuals who have difficult in focusing, using common sense, and tend to have a lack of care for others as well as a disregard for consequences. These individuals often have an immense amount of energy and often act inappropriately.
Keeping this in mind, let’s look at Bipolar Disorder, both I and II. Although both types of conditions have many differences, they also have several similarities. Individuals who suffer from both types of bipolar often have a phase of increased energy and hyperactivity. They also tend to become very bored, have an inability to focus and a lack of regard for consequences - sounding familiar?
Many people suffer from only one or the other condition. Those who suffer from Bipolar I often have hallucinations and paranoia with their condition, something that is not common in ADHD. However, Bipolar II may also be confused with ADHD. This is because those suffering from Bipolar II tend to have hypomania episodes versus manic episodes. They also tend to not suffer from mixed episodes. Hypomania episodes cause a person to feel energetic, euphoric and often grandiose. This is often similar to the high energy levels associated with ADHD. However, Bipolar II is often associated with a major depressive episode, which may or may not be experienced in someone with ADHD.
The main differences between ADHD and bipolar is that children with ADHD tend to be careless while playing, but in a “non-angry” sort of way. They’re just destructive. Those who have bipolar tend to be destructive because they are angry. Most children with bipolar will often exhibit severe temper tantrums as well. Although children with ADHD also have severe temper tantrums, they generally calm down with in twenty to thirty minutes, whereas children with bipolar may rage for hours. Children with bipolar may also lose memory of their tantrums.
Individuals with ADHD do not generally experience the depression that an individual with bipolar experiences. Additionally, bipolar individuals tend to be very irritable in the morning, while people with ADHD tend to become very alert very quickly. However, with all of the similarities and differences, it is possible for a child or an adult to suffer from both conditions. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has shown through studies that both disorders can exist simultaneously and because of this, the ADHD symptoms are often easier for parents to recognize. However, this can often pose a problem for treatment because treating only the ADHD can cause the bipolar to worsen. The key is for the bipolar to not be overlooked and to be treated first. This will level out the person’s moods, which then allows for treatment of the ADHD remaining symptoms.
David Oliver is one of the nation’s leading experts on bipolar disorder. He offers a FREE customized and personalized mini course that reveals tips, tricks, and secrets on how bipolar supporters and bipolar survivors can cope and deal with bipolar disorder. To get your copy, visit http://www.bipolarcentral.com/register1.
About The Author: David Oliver is one of the nation’s leading experts on bipolar disorder. He offers a FREE customized and personalized mini course that reveals tips, tricks, and secrets on how bipolar supporters and bipolar survivors can cope and deal with bipolar disorder. To get your copy, visit http://www.bipolarcentral.com/register1.
