ADHD Bipolar Disorder

ADHD and Bipolar Disorder: Navigating Their Coexistence

Bipolar Disorder and ADHD can and often do coexist, presenting a complex interplay of symptoms. Bipolar Disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, while ADHD is associated with consistent patterns of inattention and hyperactivity. Distinguishing between the two can be challenging due to symptom overlap, particularly in the areas of impulsivity and mood instability. Accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment are crucial for effectively managing both conditions. It's important to understand each disorder's unique symptoms and treatment approaches when they co-occur to ensure comprehensive care.

Published on
27/10/2022
Updated on
13/11/2023
estimated reading time
minutes

Written by

Alice

The mini Adhd coach

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A word form our expert

Everything You Need to Know About Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a condition marked by an extreme shift of mood. Symptoms can include a high-intensity mood, a manic episode or a depressive episode. People having Bipolar Disorder can have problems with completing simple work tasks in school. We don't have a cure for this and there are several ways to get it. Women and men experience similar symptoms with bipolar disorder, although the symptoms vary between the two genders. Men are less likely to find medical help alone and are more likely to die by suicide. There are three main types of disorders: cyclothymic syndrome, and bipolar I and II disorder.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects a person and alters their mental abilities affecting mood and energy. People with bipolar disorder often develop intense emotion states which generally occur during separate periods of days to weeks called mood events. Environmental factors such as stress, severe depression, and substance abuse can produce depressive episodes in vulnerable people. The suicide risk is significantly greater in people with bipolar disorder than in any member of society overall. Bipolar disorder usually carries other mental illnesses and manic symptoms including anxiety disorders, substance use disorder, and other mental disorders. The average onset age is 25.

What are Different Types of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorders: They can be seen as extreme erratic behavior. Cyclothymic disorder presents periods of manic and depressive behavior which last approximately 2 years. Rapid Cycling is not a specific form of Bipolar Disorder but a term used to describe the course of disease in individuals with the bipolar I II disorder. For those dealing with schizophrenia bipolar disorder and alcohol addiction, a doctor must be present to treat both. With every disorder, misuse of drugs and alcohol can cause more episodes.

What are the Risk Factors for Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar and mental health issues tend to develop more gradually in women during late stages. People with bipolar disorder are more susceptible to seasonal depression anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. It's more common for a mother to have a child with the condition than for a man to have a daughter with the disease. People who have bipolar disorder tend to abuse alcohol or other drugs when they are manic or depressed. The condition can run in families and run in patients with mental illness and physical health problems such as thyroid disease, migraine, depression, and anxiety disorders. It usually occurs even when there is high stress from trauma.

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Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

The drama episodes of high and low moods in bipolar disorder do not follow a pattern. Someone might feel similar mood patterns (depressed or manic) several times before attempting to change the mood. Several symptoms have been documented and can occur over multiple years if it is not resolved immediately. At one point, it may be excruciating; later, it might become milder. An example is a person going from feeling wonderful to breaking down in tears, then to a burst of joy. An individual diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder will often experience sadness, lack of energy, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, not enjoying the things they once loved.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Bipolar Disorder is a disease that needs ongoing monitoring and management.  Even lifestyle choices can help: Get regular exercise, proper diet and right amount of sleep. Learn to recognize your mood swings, learn to handle stress and other negative triggers. Make time to get more social support. Healthy hobbies or sports can also treat bipolar disorder.

ADHD Bipolar Disorder: Key is to do something you genuinely enjoy


--> Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a term that refers to various techniques for treating emotional, cognitive, and behavioral issues. Treatment may incorporate therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, and psychoeducation. The idea that early intervention for bipolar disorder would help to alleviate the symptoms of a more serious form of the disease is an important topic where further study is needed.

--> Medications

Certain medicines are intended to control bipolar disorder like mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. The treatment plan may also contain drugs for sleep and anxiety. Prevent people from abusing a drug by talking to a pharmacist immediately after treatment. For general guidance regarding drugs, visit NIMH's Mental Health Medications webpage. For the most updated information on medication side effects and alerts visit the Medication Guides section of the FDA website.

Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis

If you have symptoms of bipolar disorder, talk to your physician and take a mental health evaluation. The most obvious symptoms include mood disorders (high and low moods), along with changes in sleep energy, thinking, and behavior. People with bipolar disorder usually wait about 10 years for their diagnosis to be accurate. It is more challenging to diagnose bipolar disorder in children than with teens who have the disease. Their symptoms often have the same symptoms as adults but they are confused for ADHD or maybe just terrible behavior. Seek the aid of a child psychotherapist who has dealt with the bipolar disguised disorder before. When it comes into question, your child could be suffering from bipolar disorder.

Bipolar Disorder and Stigma

Some people have negative and inaccurate images of bipolar disorder. It's important to remember that you are not alone, that you can tolerate being treated badly by people. I've found that one of the most helpful things for me is to accept that my bipolar disorder manifests itself in a unique way, and the psychotic symptoms I experience aren't personality flaws.

What are the 4 Types of Bipolar?

The 4 types of bipolar are :

-Bipolar I: the most severe form of bipolar disorder. This is where you have both mania and depression symptoms.

-Cyclothymic Disorder: characterized by milder mood swings than Bipolar I but more frequent than normal mood changes, lasting at least two years with no long periods of remission or good mental health between episodes.

-Bipolar II: the mildest form of bipolar disorder. With this one, you have hypomania which is a less severe version of mania and depression symptoms that are not as intense or combined together with mania like Bipolar I has.

-Other Specified Bipolar Disorder (OSBD): when your mood swings don't match any of the above four types.

What are Some Causes for Bipolar Disorder?

Some possible causes that have been found are :

-Genetics: having a family history of bipolar increases your risk of developing this disease.

-Brain Changes & Hormones: there's evidence to show that people with this disorder have changes in their brain chemistry and hormonal fluctuations.

-Stress: having a lot of stress can develop bipolar disorder, especially if you have had them for a while. It's important to find ways to cope with the stress around you so it doesn't make your illness worse!

What are Some Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

-Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood

-Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

-Irritability or excessive crying for no reason

-Significant changes in appetite with resulting weight gain or loss  

-Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping)  

-Restlessness or feeling slowed down

-Fatigue and loss of energy

-Difficulty concentrating, remembering details or making decisions

-Recurring thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), suicidal ideas without a specific plan, suicide attempts or any other type of self-harm

What is Therapy Like for a Person with Bipolar Disorder?

Talking to someone about what's going on in your life and working through problems together can really improve the quality of your daily living!  Therapy can help you in treating bipolar disorder symptoms and coping with stress so that they do not worsen into more extreme mood swings. There are lots of therapies to choose from such as family-focused therapy and social rhythm therapy.

ADHD Bipolar Disorder: You found me and I was not alone anymore

What are Some Helpful Lifestyle Changes for a Person with Bipolar Disorder?

-Daily exercise.  Exercise releases endorphins in the brain which improve mood and make it much easier to cope!

-Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.  These can help you stay calm when stress levels rise so that your depressive symptoms don't worsen.

-Limit caffeine intake as this can trigger manic depression in some people with bipolar disorder.  Also stay away from alcohol, street drugs and other substances that may make your symptoms worse!

What are Some Helpful Tips to Manage a Bipolar Disorder?

Remembering these things about Bipolar Disorder will help you manage it more effectively:

-Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness, but with treatment it can be managed successfully.

-The course of bipolar disorder tends to include both manic episodes and depressive episodes as well as periods of stability in between these two extremes.  You will likely experience mood swings throughout your life!

-People who have had one depressive episode are at risk for having another episode.  This means that even if you are feeling better right now, it's important to stick with your treatment plan because the risk of relapse is very high!

-Some lifestyle changes can help improve mood and symptom management too so remember to always follow your doctor's orders!

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Frequently asked questions about Bipolar Disorders:‍

How can ADHD be linked to Bipolar Disorder?

People with bipolar disorder may also have symptoms of ADHD. It's estimated that up to 50 percent of people with bipolar disorder develop symptoms of ADHD at some point in their life. Having either condition can make it harder for you to control your moods and this will lead to more extreme highs (mania) or lows (depression). The impulsivity and disorganization associated with ADHD may make it harder for you to stick to your treatment plan as well.

What does a person with bipolar disorder do?

When you suffer from bipolar disorder, it is important to stick with your treatment plan. This means taking medications as prescribed and attending therapy sessions regularly even during periods when you feel better!

What does medication do for a person with Bipolar Disorder?

Medication can help keep your moods in check so that they don't worsen into full-blown mania or depression. If you are experiencing an episode, it can help ease your depressive symptoms until they go away naturally.

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