The number of different mental health diagnoses is causing many people to increasingly explore this field. Unfortunately, many diseases are similar to each other. Because of this, a variety of problems arise in determining the diagnosis and further treatment of the patient. A striking example is the similarity of bipolar & adhd but the latter is slightly more common. Nevertheless, many people know about bipolar disorder, but the abbreviation ADHD is rarely heard. Let’s take a closer look at what this disorder looks like and how to treat it.
Causes of confusion between bipolar disorder and ADHD
Comparing these diseases one can notice that ADHD bipolar comorbidity symptoms explained their similarity by an average of 20%. Because of this, relatives and loved ones of patients may mistakenly confuse these diagnoses. Moreover, 1 in 13 patients has both bipolar disorder and ADHD.
Unfortunately, this is because ADHD has long been considered only a disease of adults. But today it is diagnosed in 9% of children who have bipolar disorder. To understand this issue in more detail, it is worth understanding how ADHD manifests itself in bipolar disorder in different phases.
ADHD during the manic phase
Understanding identifying ADHD symptoms during bipolar episodes will help to differentiate between these disorders. During the manic phase, a person with ADHD is hyper-focused on all issues. He is interested in many topics, works long enough, and thinks about things he would not even think about in quiet stages of life. However, hyperfocus leads to:
- sleep disturbance;
- burnout;
- fatigue;
- further exacerbating the problem.
With ADHD, a person may talk a lot and interrupt other people. They will be inattentive to social cues and may lose the point of the conversation. In the case of bipolar disorders, during the manic phase, the person is tired and wants to sleep. And this is the fundamental difference in such illnesses.
ADHD in the depressive phase
Having dissected the manic phase it is equally important to understand how ADHD presents alongside bipolar disorder in the depressive phase. At this point, the person with ADHD produces little dopamine, and in their desire to get it, they consume sugar and carbohydrates in large quantities. As a result, such people are in the depressive stage:
- gain weight dramatically;
- show unprecedented appetite;
- have trouble sleeping;
- can’t concentrate;
- behave distractedly.
The fundamental difference will be that with bipolar disorder, these symptoms occur without the influence of external factors. If the person with ADHD is in a pleasant environment and feels good about themselves, they will feel much better.
Differences between ADHD and bipolar disorder
What does ADHD with bipolar look like in adults? When looking at some common symptoms, it is worth understanding that despite similar symptoms, patients experience them differently. In the case of ADHD, a person can control themselves. He can stop in time if his family and friends help him. If bipolar disorder manifests itself and ADHD is there only as a symptom, the condition will only worsen until a certain phase passes.
Regarding children, those with bipolar disorder have more anger and nightmares. They also have greater fears regarding harming themselves and others. It is important to work with these children, and if ADHD and bipolar disorder are evident, it is worthwhile to have a detailed consultation with specialized professionals.
Conclusion
So, can ADHD be mistaken for bipolar disorder? As you can see, similarities in symptoms lead to thought that it can. But you should not think so. To avoid such a problem, be sure to refer your child or adult with these symptoms to a specialist. Only they will be able to make the right diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment to improve the patient’s quality of life.
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