What's the Difference between Bipolar and ADHD?
![]() |
Understanding the difference between bipolar and ADHD can be crucial for parents concerned about symptoms they're seeing in their child. These are two different disorders that share some similarities. First, let's take a look at ADHD. ADHD is an acronym for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Common symptoms of this disorder include hyperactive behavior, an inability to pay attention for extended periods of time, and impulsive behavior. The child with ADHD may have problems in school with both their schoolwork and behavior. They often have a difficult time focusing on tasks and making proper distinctions between right and wrong.
It's not fully known why ADHD occurs. Many experts think it is a genetic disorder. Others believe it has something to do with brain chemistry. This disorder is thought to be more prevalent in boys than girls, but can occur in both genders. Treatment for this disorder may include medication such as Lithium or Adderall. In addition, you and your ADHD child may also need to attend individual and/or group therapy.
Bipolar disorder, on the other hand, is a disorder characterized by the occurrence of both manic and depressive episodes. Mania can often be confused with ADHD because many of the symptoms are the same. Hyperactive behavior, rapid speech and poor judgment are all characteristics of a manic episode that are similar or identical to some symptoms of ADHD. The difference lies in the cycling to depression. Depression symptoms include extended periods of sadness, crying, low energy and lack of interest in favorite activities. Some children experience periods of normal functioning in between their manic and depressive episodes. Bipolar disorder is similar to ADHD in that it is often treated with a combination of medication and therapy.
While unlikely, a child can suffer from both bipolar and ADHD at the same time. If you think your child may have either of these disorders, seek medical help right away. The first stop should be your child's pediatrician. If they are unable to diagnose and/or treat your child, they will refer you to a psychiatrist. They may also help you set up therapy sessions with a child behavioral specialist experienced in dealing with these disorders. With proper treatment, it's likely your child will find relief from many of their symptoms and be able to function normally.
Copyright 2007 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved
| CrimProf Blog: Dallas County probation program addresses . Dallas County probation program addresses addictions, bipolar disorder. Kimberly Armstrong says she has run from every drug program she was ever ordered to attend. But when she was sent to one offered by Dallas County probation aimed at ... | ||
The Probable Bipolar Disorder Cause (PIZZAHEROS) The Bipolar Disorder cause is said to be the inequity of neurotransmitters in an individuals brain. Scientists are still in the dark as with the reason for such disproportion of chemicals in the human brain... | ||
Doctor to halt his drug firm activities - Boston Globe
| ||
Many Famous People Suffer With Bipolar Disorder - Meadow Free Press
| ||
Too many inadequate diagnoses of child bipolar disorder - Salt Lake Tribune
| ||
Dallas County probation program addresses addictions, bipolar disorder - Dallas Morning News
| ||
Dallas County probation program addresses addictions, bipolar disorder (Denton Record-Chronicle) Kimberly Armstrong says she has run from every drug program she was ever ordered to attend. But when she was sent to one offered by Dallas County probation aimed at treating both her drug addiction and bipolar disorder, she decided to stick with it... | ||
Breed EUREm And Weep Lets talk Bipolar Bears Unlike other diseases, bipolar disorder is an embarrassing pain in the tuchas to explain. And 2009 seems like a good year for enlightened discussion and opportunities for compassion, so lets go for it. The Polar Bear Disease is not for ... | ||
Inside the List (New York Times) Carrie Fisher?s ?Wishful Drinking,? based on her one-woman stage show, is at No. 15 on the hardcover nonfiction list... | ||
Treating the Childhood Bipolar Controversy: A Tale of Two Children - Am J Psychiatry (subscription)
| ||
Is Bipolar Disorder In Children And Adolescents Possible | Life . With the above stated fact, it goes to show that children and adolescents can acquire bipolar disorder if their parents or someone within the family is also suffering from the disease. More likely, children may adopt the illness but ... | ||
FeedAgg.com | Feed | Bipolar Disease | Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder Symptoms of bipolar disorder - by knowing the symptoms of bipolar disorder, you may be able to identify if you or someone you know is suffering from this serious mental issue. Once diagnosed, a person can be treated so they can manage ... | ||
Body Found In Canal (KERO 23 Bakersfield) BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- A body was just found in a canal on W. Columbus and Chester Ave. Stay tuned to turnto23.com as we investigate this matter. Read these stories to find out how people living with bipolar disorder learned to persevere after their diagnosis and how you can too... | ||
Bipolar Disorder Pre-Screening - Bipolar Beat In Bipolar Disorder for Dummies , we discourage anyone from attempting to self-diagnose or diagnose others suspected of having bipolar disorder and encourage you to obtain a diagnosis from a qualified doctor EUR preferably a psychiatrist ... | ||
Patty Duke to share story of mental illness in Sarasota (Bradenton Herald) EURA Brilliant MadnessEUR is how actress Patty Duke describes her battle with bipolar disorder and its impact on her highly successful career that includes an Academy Award for a performance as Helen Keller in the EURThe Miracle Worker.EUR.. | ||
Technorati Tags: Bipolar Disorder, What's the Difference between Bipolar and ADHD?, TBipolar And Adhd
![]() |














