How To Tell the Difference Between ADHD and Bipolar Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are two separate mental health conditions that affect behaviors and daily life. ADHD is a behavioral disorder that causes problems with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive actions. BD is a mood disorder that causes episodes of manic highs and depressive lows. 

ADHD and BD conditions share similar symptoms, but there are key differences, such as the available treatment options.

Symptoms of ADHD vs. Bipolar Disorder

ADHD and bipolar disorder share some common symptoms. For example, they both affect a person’s ability to pay attention and concentrate. This leads to several symptoms, including restlessness, distractability, and racing thoughts.

Bipolar disorder symptoms occur in cycles. There are periods of high energy, known as mania, and periods of low energy, known as depression. Oftentimes, manic episodes have symptoms in common with ADHD, whereas depressive episodes do not.

Here's a breakdown of how symptoms of both conditions compare: 

Differences

While ADHD and bipolar disorder have some symptoms in common, how they affect you, when they're diagnosed, and which treatments exist are different.

Bipolar Disorder Affects Mood Drastically

ADHD and bipolar disorder are different types of mental health conditions. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s behaviors, and these behavioral changes can lead to a depressed or anxious mood. BD is a mood disorder that causes emotional highs and lows. The periods of elevated mood, or manic phases, can lead to impulsive behaviors, including high-risk behaviors.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder often manifest in cycles, alternating between episodes of mania/hypomania, depression, and neutral moods. However, some individuals may experience mixed episodes of both mania and depression simultaneously. Meanwhile, ADHD symptoms are constant but may worsen during times of stress. 

The Conditions Are Diagnosed At Different Ages

ADHD often affects children, and people are usually diagnosed at school age. Teachers and school psychologists commonly recognize ADHD behaviors and recommend that parents talk with a pediatrician or child psychiatrist. However, people with bipolar disorder usually develop symptoms in their late teens or early twenties. 

These conditions also affect you differently as you age. ADHD usually gets better over time, and people who receive treatment can manage it well—whereas people with BD tend to experience more frequent and intense mood episodes as they get older. 

Treatment Options for ADHD and Bipolar Disorder Differ

While it's true that people with ADHD and bipolar disorder can benefit from therapy, these conditions require different medications.

People with BD often take mood-stabilizing medications to lower the risk of a manic or depressive episode. People with ADHD may benefit from taking stimulant medications such as Adderall (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) to help with concentration and focus. Stimulant medications can make bipolar disorder worse and lead to a manic or depressive episode. 

However, unlike BD, mental health providers also recommend several environmental and behavioral strategies to support a person living with ADHD. These include: 

• Highly structured schedule and environment 
• Organizational techniques 
• Limited distractions 
• Scheduled, stimulating activities 
• Frequent reminders for completing tasks
• Social skills training 
  

Similarities

ADHD and bipolar disorder have many overlapping symptoms, particularly during a manic episode in bipolar disorder.

They Share Similar Risk Factors

People who have a family history of ADHD or bipolar disorder are more likely to be diagnosed with that condition, and there is a genetic component to each condition. One meta-analysis also found that having ADHD or bipolar disorder may raise the risk of the other condition.

In this review, up to 1 in 13 adults with ADHD also had bipolar disorder, and up to 1 in 6 people with bipolar disorder also had ADHD. The onset of BD was earlier in people who had ADHD. 

ADHD and Bipolar Disorder Both Affect Daily Life

ADHD and bipolar disorder both cause changes in behavior and mood. These conditions significantly affect a person’s ability to function in daily life and maintain close relationships. 

A person with ADHD often speaks quickly and interrupts others frequently. This can make childhood friendships more challenging. However, a person with BD experiences severe mood changes that can make their relationships feel unstable. 

Both Conditions Require Early Intervention

Even though each condition can inhibit daily functioning, both conditions can be well-managed with intervention. Receiving an early diagnosis and treatment plan improves the prognosis for both conditions. 

People with ADHD are often diagnosed as children and require support from their caregivers and teachers. People with bipolar disorder are often diagnosed in late adolescence or early adulthood. The sooner you get treatment for both conditions, the less likely you'll experience complications. 

Can You Have Both ADHD and Bipolar Disorder?

Several mental health conditions can co-exist alongside each other, and ADHD and bipolar disorder both fit the bill. Research shows that having ADHD can increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder and vice versa.

While BD is more common to be diagnosed in your late teen years or early adulthood, you also have a higher risk of developing the condition if you already have a diagnosis of ADHD when you're a child.

When To Seek Care and Who to Contact

It can feel worrisome to experience symptoms of ADHD or bipolar disorder. If you or a loved one have developed symptoms or are showing early warning signs of either condition, seeing a healthcare provider for support can help.

You'll likely see your primary care provider (or your child's pediatrician) first, who will likely refer you to a mental health professional. This may include a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, school psychologist, or licensed counselor.

These providers can offer testing, guide treatment options, and recommend complementary remedies that can help improve symptoms and your quality of life.

A Quick Review

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder are two separate mental health conditions. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, while bipolar disorder is a mood disorder. These conditions share some symptoms, particularly, impulsivity, sleep disturbances, and high emotional reactivity.

However, bipolar disorder affects mood more significantly, the conditions are diagnosed at different ages, and providers use different treatment options to keep symptoms at bay.