Bipolar or ADHD

Is it ADHD or Bipolar Disorder?

For addtional For more information and resources: Living with Bipoar Disorder
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ADHD and Bipolar Disorder are commonly diagnosed together. As terrible as the word “comorbid” sounds, it simply means that two or more conditions co-exist. So if you have both disorders, how do you know which one is affecting you at a particular point in time when both disorders are characterized by similar symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and disengagement?

 Behavioral vs. Mood State

ADHD is more behavioral in nature, while Bipolar has more to do with your mood state. One way to tell is that ADHD tends to last all day while Bipolar symptoms cycle on and off. So, you might try to determine if your symptoms have been persistent all day or they are just coming into play at a certain time of the day.

Triggers

Both disorders can also be environmentally “triggered”. However, ADHD triggers tend to be more frequent and minimal, like the person in meeting who keeps interrupting, so you disengage because you simply cannot bear to listen to him or her talk any longer. Since Bipolar Disorder has more to do with your mood state, symptoms are normally triggered by larger events, such as already having a stressful morning because you had a flat tire. Therefore, you are already in a mood state going into the meeting that predisposes you to disengagement and a lack of focus, no matter who is speaking or on what topic.

Sometimes both disorders may be at play at the same time. For example, you might be packing for a business trip that you are not looking forward to attending. Small distracting triggers like stopping to watch something on TV may keep you from packing. And at the same time, the stress of thinking about your business trip may put you in a mood state that slows your progress towards getting ready for the trip. And that has more to do with you Bipolar Disorder. It may seem easy to grasp on paper, but it can be very difficult to distinguish between BPII and ADHD when you are in the middle of a situation where you are feeling agitated, impatient, or just unable to focus, like the example of packing for the business trip.

Finding a Reputable Psychiatrist

Since the symptoms are so similar, and they can be difficult to determine on your own sometimes, it is imperative to find reputable psychiatrist who is skilled and experienced at diagnosing and treating both disorders. For starters, you might walk away with the wrong diagnosis. And treating them together is another complexity. A drug that helps control ADHD may worsen symptoms of Bipolar Disorder and vice versa. Having the right medications for both disorders is essential, so they can control the symptoms of both disorders and also work well together well.

Educating Yourself

You can read also books and articles on both disorders, just be sure they are from reputable sources. Two books I have found to be very helpful are Driven to Distraction by Hollowell, M.D. and Ratey, M.D. for ADHD and Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed by Caponigro, MA; Lee, MA; Johnson, Ph.D. and Kring, Ph.D. These books helped me better understand and recognize the symptoms along with using different coping mechanisms. Also, be patient with yourself, as time and experience will also help.

For more information and resources read Living with Bipolar
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