Adhd And Bipolar Disorder: Differences And Similarities

I have A.D.D.  I found this article about ADHD and Bipolar disorder, they are quite similar.  Some can have both.


ADHD and Bipolar Disorder: Differences and Similarities


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Written by JeffZens on Dec-20-08 8:44pm

From:  SelfHelpTipsBlog.com

 

Today we will discuss the differences and similarities between ADHD and Bipolar Disorder.

Some of the symptoms that are common to both ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Bipolar Disorder are so similar that it is easy to misdiagnose one for the other. ADHD, for example, is greatly over-diagnosed. Bipolar Disorder, on the other hand, is under-diagnosed.  Both disorders are easily and often misdiagnosed.

The three characteristics of inattentiveness (lack of focus), impulsiveness and hyperactivity associated with ADHD are also present in Bipolar Disorder. They are manifested differently, mainly in their duration.

Inattentiveness and lack of focus in ADHD lasts all day long; while with bipolar disorder it goes in cycles, lasting for a few hours to a few days, depending on the duration of the depressive episode common to bipolar disorder.

Impulsiveness in ADHD is a reaction to the surroundings; while in bipolar disorder it results from mood swings and the necessity to ease the depression and re-energize.

Hyperactivity in ADHD manifests in fidgeting and the inability to keep still which lasts all day; in bipolar disorder it cycles throughout the day, usually getting worse at night.

Differentiating between ADHD and bipolar disorder as a result of these symptoms becomes difficult, and children are commonly misdiagnosed. Since ADHD is a more common condition in children, it is often the first thing that a doctor thinks of.

There are many other similarities that coexist in ADHD and bipolar disorder. Below is a list of just a few of them:

Reality

A person with ADHD does not lose touch with reality, while a person with bipolar disorder does lose touch during a temper tantrum and has a distorted understanding of the emotional events.

Anger

Anger lasts only about 20-30 minutes with ADHD but could go on for up to 4 hours with bipolar disorder.

Temper Tantrums

These will last only a few minutes with ADHD without any violence or destruction, and the temper tantrum will be remembered. In persons with bipolar disorder, these tantrums are violent and last for hours accompanied by hitting and kicking, throwing things, destruction of property and threats to do harm to others; the tantrum and the events leading up to it will not be remembered.

Misbehavior

Those with ADHD have difficulty with behavior resulting from lack of attention/focus, impulsiveness, or over-stimulation. In bipolar disorder, misbehavior as well as provocation are deliberate and intentional. More often than not, children with bipolar disorder are the "bullies" in schools.

Judgment

Those with ADHD are quite capable of making good judgments, they just don't take the time to do so. Those with bipolar disorder have impaired judgment, with fantasies of doing things they cannot and they don't think things through.

Triggers

For those with ADHD, it's simply a lack of structure that triggers a temper tantrum. For bipolar disorder, it's a deliberate rebellion against authoritative figures and the limits they set, which cause feelings of anxiety.

Nightmares

Those with ADHD rarely, if ever, have nightmares; while those with bipolar disorder have nightmares and night terrors full of gore and detailed mutilation.

While irritability and aggressiveness can indicate bipolar disorder, they can also be symptoms of ADHD. Some children could have an aggressive, manic reaction to medications that they are taking for their ADHD.

Approximately 15% of children suspected of having ADHD may actually have early onset bipolar disorder. In the past, bipolar disorder has been attributed to adults, not to children and adolescents. Because of the close similarities of ADHD and bipolar disorder, 80% of children with bipolar disorder meet the full criteria of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. As a result, it is extremely important that bipolar disorder be ruled out before a diagnosis for ADHD is given.

The major difference between ADHD and bipolar disorder is that ADHD affects attention and behavior, while bipolar disorder is mainly a mood disorder. The tendency for ADHD is to improve over time, but for bipolar disorder the tendency is to get worse, especially if proper treatment is delayed.