Mary

Thank you for your question and welcome to ADHDCentral.com.

ADHD is a disorder characterized by three main symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Bipolar is a disorder characterized by extreme mood swings, going from periods of mania to periods of depression. A person can cycle between these moods on a daily, or even hourly basis, or can have moods that last for months.

There is some overlap between symptoms, for example, people with bipolar can have difficulty paying attention or focusing because of depression or mania and hyperactivity can be confused for mania. There are, however, distinct differences. A doctor would be able to determine whether ADHD or bipolar disorder is affecting someone.

It is also possible, and common, for a person to have both bipolar disorder and ADHD. This is called co-existing or comorbid conditions. Usually treatment would include both disorders but sometimes the doctor will treat the condition causing the most impairment first, get that disorder under control, and then add treatment for the second disorder.

To find out more:

Co-Existing Conditions

ADHD & Bipolar Disorder

ADHD and Depression

Eileen