Difference Bipolar and ADHD disorder

It’s sometimes difficult to differentiate Bipolar from ADHD disorder. These two conditions are often hard to distinguish because they share several symptoms including:

·       Mood instability

·       Outbursts

·       Restlessness

·       Talkativeness

·       Impatience

ADHD is characterized primarily by inattention, distractibility, impulsivity or physical restlessness. Bipolar disorder causes exaggerated shifts in mood, energy, thinking and behavior from manic highs to extreme depressive lows. While Bipolar is primarily a mood disorder, ADHD affects attention and behavior.

Differences

There are many distinct differences between ADHD and Bipolar but they are subtle and may go unnoticed. ADHD is a lifelong condition while Bipolar tends to develop later in life. ADHD is chronic while Bipolar is usually episodic and can remain hidden for periods between outbursts. ADHD people tend to be unnerved by sensory over stimulation like transitions from one activity to the next while Bipolar people typically respond to disciplinary actions and conflict with authority figures. Depression, irritability and memory loss are common after a Bipolar outburst but people with ADHD do not generally experience despair as a symptom.

Moods

The moods of someone with ADHD approach suddenly and can dissipate quickly. But the mood shifts of  someone with Bipolar can last for days, weeks, months. Bipolar people seem to display ADHD symptoms during their “manic” or “hypomanic” phases such as restlessness, trouble sleeping and hyperactivity. During their “depressed” phases symptoms such as lack of focus, lethargy and inattention can also mirror those of ADHD. However Bipolar people may experience severe nightmares, difficulty waking in the morning, waking up multiple times throughout the night and fear of going to sleep. People with ADHD tend to wake up quickly and become alert immediately. They may have trouble falling asleep but can usually manage to sleep through the night without interruption.

Behavior

The misbehavior of people with ADHD is usually accidental. Ignoring authority figures, running into things, and making messes is the result of inattentiveness. A Bipolar person however challenges authority through arguing, physical contact or intentional aggression. Bipolar people can often seek danger, grandiosity and argument in an attempt to generate conflict.