What are the differences between a.d.d and bi-polar?
my husband has been told he has bi-polar, a.d.d and o.c.d.
Yes a handful, but how can i tell which is more severe or which one is being displayed at any given time?
Q: differences between a.d.d and bi-polar?
Answers (2)
7/10/09 2:29pm
Patricia
Thank you for your question and welcome to ADHDCentral.com. It would be impossible to say which one is more severe. Bipolar usually comes in cycles and during some cycles may cause more problems than in other cycles. There is medication, however, to stabilize the ups and downs of bipolar disorder. ADHD is often treated with stimulant medication, however, stimulant medication may be a trigger for the mania stage of bipolar disorder so you will need to discuss with the doctor other treatment options for ADHD.
There is information on the main symptoms of ADHD and bipolar disorder in the following articles:
I hope this information helps
Eileen
7/10/09 6:27pm
Hi Patricia!
Wow...that is a lot to be told in one sitting. Have the diagnoses helped you to understand what is going on with your husband or has it been more confusing than not? What did the doctor tell you? Did they give you any information at all?
Wanted to add to what information Eileen has given you by letting you know that Health Central has a very good Bipolar site which you may find by following this link.
I think the best thing for you to do at this point in time is to read as much as you can on all of these disorders and also get some support for yourself and for your husband. It really does depend on how your husband's symptoms manifest as to which disorder is more severe but in my humble opinion (I am not a therapist or a doctor) I would say the Bipolar Disorder will be the one which may be the most challenging. Has he been steered towards taking any medications at this point in time?
It is really a good thing that he has been diagnosed so that he can now receive treatment and help for these things and also...you will understand more about what is going on with him.
There is a lot of support here on this ADHD site...also on our Bipolar site and too...please feel free to come on over to the Depression site where I write and lead the community there. Lots of very compassionate people who can lend an ear whether you need information or just to talk.
Let us know if there is anything else you need...we are here for you!
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By patricia wilhelm— Last Modified: 11/17/10, First Published: 07/09/09
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