Hi RR,

ADHD and Bipolar Disorder are related conditions, and many people have both.

Here is an ADDitude article that may give you some additional insight:

Is it ADHD or Bipolar Disorder? http://additudemag.us.thirdfloor.com.au/adhd/article/2511.html

Quote

That’s an interesting question. I would like to share this information with u that would be helpful.

The symptoms can be similar to Bipolar Disorder. In order to receive proper treatment it is necessary to distinguish between the two diagnoses. The primary difficulties for those with ADHD are with cognitive functioning, including attention, distractibility and energy level. The primary difficulty for those with Bipolar Disorder is with mood regulation. Both disorders tend to run in families.

I have listed some of the symptoms related to ADHD, Bipolar or both disorders below. This is not a complete list but will give you a basic look at the differences and similarities of the two disorders. They can also occur together and it is much more common than most people realize. Many times one disorder is overlooked when both disorders are present.

Symptoms:

Some symptoms of ADHD include:

• Poor follow-through • Poor listening skills • Task avoidance • Disorganized • Inconsistent • Easily overwhelmed • trouble changing activities • poor eye contact • Forgetfulness • Fidgetiness • Annoys others easily • Interrupts others • Often acts as if he or she is being driven by a motor • Rejection from peers and adults • Trouble thinking before they act – live in the “now” • Difficulty falling or staying asleep

Some symptoms of early onset of Bipolar Disorder include:

• Temper tantrums generally triggered by limit-setting (i.e., a parental "NO") and conflict with authority figures • Oppositional • Mood swings • Racing thoughts • Aggressive behavior • daredevil acts • Pressured Speech • Prolonged Rages • Grandiose thinking • Depressed or elevated mood • oversensitivity to emotional or environmental triggers • Lethargy • Difficulty getting out of bed • Social anxiety • Hyper sexuality • Decreased need for sleep • suicidality with plan or intent

Symptoms that are seen in both ADHD and Bipolar disorder, but with subtle differences include:

• Hyperactivity • Distractibility • mood instability • oversensitive to stimulation • overreaction to stress • irritability • Impulsive • Low Self-Esteem

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art33450.asp

Quote