ADHD and bipolar disorder have some overlapping symptoms, which can make diagnosis difficult. But symptoms of ADHD tend to appear before the age of 12. Bipolar disorder may start later.

Bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are separate conditions, but some symptoms may overlap.

This can make it difficult to tell the difference between the two, even with the help of a doctor or mental health professional.

An accurate diagnosis of each condition is necessary to provide the appropriate treatment so you can effectively manage the condition as soon as you can.

Bipolar disorder involves extreme shifts in mood. These shifts include manic highs and depressive lows.

A manic episode may involve unusually elevated moods of happiness or irritability with increased activity. A depressive episode may be the opposite, where you feel hopeless with a low activity level.

How often you experience bipolar disorder-related manic and depressive episodes varies for everyone. Some may experience them weekly, while others may see these shifts only a few times a year.

Bipolar II disorder may involve a pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes. Hypomanic episodes are typically less severe than manic episodes in bipolar I disorder.

Bipolar disorder in children is called early onset bipolar disorder. It presents somewhat differently than it does in adults.

Children may cycle between the extremes more frequently and have more severe symptoms on both ends of the spectrum.

You may experience ADHD differently depending on your gender and which type of ADHD you have:

  • Inattentive ADHD mostly has symptoms of inattention.
  • Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD mostly has symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
  • Combined ADHD has symptoms of both inattention and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD.

Symptoms express themselves uniquely in each individual but may include:

  • difficulty completing assignments or tasks and completing them without mistakes
  • losing important items, such as school supplies, wallets, phones, and keys
  • difficulty following directions
  • constant movement, fidgeting, and squirming

Not all people, especially children, who display these symptoms have ADHD. Some are naturally more active or distractible than others.

It’s when these behaviors interfere with two or more settings that mental health professionals suspect ADHD. Settings may include home, work, school, or with friends.

Similarities

Similarities between bipolar disorder and ADHD may include:

  • an increase in energy or being “on the go” (hyperactivity)
  • being easily distracted
  • talking a lot or talking rapidly
  • lack of motivation
  • restlessness
  • irritability
  • racing thoughts

The overlap is so great that about 60% to 90% of children with bipolar disorder also receive a diagnosis of ADHD.

A 2021 review also estimates that:

  • 1 in 13 adults with ADHD also live with bipolar disorder
  • 1 in 6 adults with bipolar disorder also live with ADHD

However, these similarities may make it hard to provide an accurate diagnosis of one condition or the other. This may affect treatment and symptom management.

Differences

Bipolar disorder primarily affects mood, whereas ADHD primarily affects behavior and attention. If you live with bipolar disorder, you may cycle through episodes of mania or hypomania and depression.

If you live with ADHD, you may experience chronic (long-term) symptoms. These symptoms don’t cycle. You may, however, also have changes in mood.

Both children and adults may live with ADHD and bipolar disorder. Based on data from 2022, it’s estimated that 1 in 9 U.S. children 3 to 17 years old have ever received a diagnosis of ADHD.

This makes ADHD the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in children.

ADHD symptoms usually begin at a younger age (before 12 years old) than bipolar disorder symptoms. Bipolar disorder symptoms usually appear in late adolescence or early adulthood.

If you suspect that you or someone you know might have bipolar disorder or ADHD, speak with a doctor or a mental health professional.

If it’s someone you know, encourage them to make an appointment with their doctor or get a referral to a psychiatrist or another mental health professional.

Your first appointment will likely involve information gathering so your doctor can learn more about you and:

  • what you’re experiencing
  • your family medical history
  • anything else that relates to your mental and physical health

ADHD

Anyone can receive a diagnosis of ADHD. But you must have started showing symptoms before 12 years old. It involves symptoms that may include:

  • difficulty paying attention
  • hyperactivity
  • impulsive behavior

A mental health professional must provide a diagnosis of ADHD. You cannot self-diagnose this condition.

Bipolar disorder

To meet the diagnostic criteria of bipolar I disorder:

  • If you experience a manic episode, it must last at least 7 days. But it may also be of any duration if the symptoms are severe enough to require hospitalization.
  • If you experience depressive episodes, you must experience symptoms that meet the diagnostic criteria for a major depressive episode, which lasts at least 2 weeks.

A mental health professional must provide a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. You cannot self-diagnose this condition.

There’s currently no cure for bipolar disorder or ADHD, but effectively managing symptoms is possible. Your doctor will focus on treating your symptoms with the help of certain medications and psychotherapy.

If you notice any symptoms interfering with work, school, or relationships, it’s a good idea to tackle the root issues immediately. A mental health professional can work with you on a proper treatment plan.

Children with ADHD who engage in treatment tend to improve over time. Though the condition may worsen during periods of stress, there are usually no episodes of psychosis unless they have a coexisting condition.

If you live with bipolar disorder, you may also do well with medications and therapies, but your episodes may become more frequent and severe as the years go on.

Managing either condition is important to improving your overall quality of life.

It can be challenging when you or a loved one is experiencing signs and symptoms of either ADHD or bipolar disorder.

But know you’re not alone. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that mental health disorders affect 1 in 8 people globally.

Speaking with a mental health professional about creating a treatment plan that works for you is the first step toward living your best life.

While some symptoms overlap, ADHD and bipolar disorder are different conditions. But the overlap can make providing a diagnosis difficult.

Symptoms of ADHD typically begin in childhood, before 12 years old. It involves difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior.

Hyperactivity and impulsive behavior are also signs of bipolar disorder, but bipolar disorder has less to do with inattention than mood. You may experience manic and depressive episodes with this condition.

Receiving a correct diagnosis after bringing up your concerns with a doctor is the first step toward a better quality of life.

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