Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness that is characterized by extreme mood swings, abrupt changes in energy levels, and distorted decision making. Learn more about its symptoms and treatments here.

Annoyed ADHD woman using mobile phone in coffee shop

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

How I Live Every Day with My Dual Diagnosis: ADHD and Bipolar 1

Mental Health Diagnosis: ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Bipolor, Depression

Is It Just ADHD? Comorbidities That Unlock an Accurate Mental Health Diagnosis

Q: Bipolar Meltdown? Or Rejection Sensitivity Meltdown?

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A child with symptoms of bipolar disorder swings at the park

What Bipolar Disorder Looks Like in Children

As a child with ADHD, I often felt misunderstood. I’m sure that I looked lazy, lost, and confused to everyone else. While in my mind, I was analyzing, examining, and exploring endless possibilities. I didn’t feel lazy at all. My mind was constantly in motion. Thoughts were racing through my brain at the speed of light, and I didn’t know how to shut them off. I wish I could have explained what was going on to someone who would understand. A child with ADHD can be frustrating for parents, but remember the child is probably frustrated as well if her outside appearance is completely opposite to what she feels inside her mind.

[Self-Test] Does My Child Have Bipolar Disorder?

Becca Colao, an inattentive adult, recommends these strategies for living better with ADHD: - Set a timer to get yourself going on a boring task. - Put on high-energy music to rev yourself up before a long meeting, difficult chore, or anything else that tends to let your mind wander. - Hire a friend to check in on you periodically during a big project. If you’re off task, they can nudge you back to work. - Change up the view. When you find yourself getting distracted, move to a different location — outside, or maybe a coffee shop down the block. Moving locations can “reset” your brain when you get bored.

What Bipolar Disorder Looks Like in Adults

[Self-Test] Bipolar Disorder in Adults

Treatment for the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

A sad boy with ADHD sits on the stairs hiding his face

10 Myths (and Truths) About Bipolar Disorder

Conceptual representation of bipolar disorder vs. ADHD, wooden doll and his shadow

The Physician’s Guide for Distinguishing Bipolar Disorder and ADHD

How to Treat ADHD Symptoms with ADHD Medication Like Ritalin

Ask the Doctor: Is It ADHD or Bipolar — or Both?

Piecing together the puzzle of bipolar and ADHD together.

Bipolar Disorder

Solving the ADHD-Bipolar Puzzle

Dealing with ADHD is a challenge. Bipolar disorder? Even harder. And when the two of them occur...

Bipolar Disorder

Where ADHD and Bipolar Disorder Overlap

Impulsivity. Over-activity. Moodiness. These symptoms could describe ADHD or bipolar disorder — or...

A doctor consults with a patient about the possibility of adult ADHD.

Bipolar Disorder

Watch Out! Doctors Mistake Bipolar Disorder for ADHD

To doctors who are trained in mood disorders, ADHD symptoms can look like bipolar disorder. Don't let...

Ask the Experts

Is it ADHD or Bipolar Disorder?

ADHD and bipolar disorder often look alike at first. Know what symptoms and behaviors t...

Bipolar disorder and ADHD: Learn to tell the difference in this free download.

Free Downloads

Free Expert Resource: Solving the Bipolar and ADHD Puzzle

Symptoms of ADHD and bipolar disorder are often confused — and often coexist in the same person. How...

The different masks of bipolar disorder.

Guest Blogs

Bipolar at Five?! Not My Little Girl

I didn’t know what was wrong with my little girl until, unbelievably, the doctor said, “Sadie has...

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Teens with Bipolar Disorder at Greater Risk for Drug Abuse

Though bipolar disorder in teens is not yet fully understood, a new study points towards an increased...

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ADHD Comorbidities & Related Conditions

Book Review: Kids in the Syndrome Mix

How to cope when it's not <em>just...

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Ask the Experts

How Can We Help Our Troubled Child?

"Our 11-year-old son has ADHD (and takes Adderall, Depakote, and Seroquel) and has been under...

Bipolar Disorder

“It Was The Illness Talking And Not My Loving Son.”

When a child with ADHD and bipolar disorder has said or done something hurtful, how do you keep the...

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

How to Distinguish ADHD’s Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria from Bipolar Disorder

Forty percent of individuals with bipolar disorder also have ADHD. The conditions’ symptoms typically...

The latest information, research, and news on diagnosing and treating ADHD

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Anti-Inflammatory Diet May Help Mood Disorder Treatment

Results from a small, exploratory study suggest that patients with bipolar disorder experience most...

ADDitude for Professionals

Comorbid Considerations Q&A: Treating Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, or Autism Alongside ADHD

This Q&A for ADHD clinicians is the first in a five-part series with Dr. Anthony Rostain, a...

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Study: Related Conditions Associated with ADHD Don’t Impact Both Genders Equally

A study confirmed that ADHD impacts both genders equally, but suggests that related conditions do not...

Understand Conditions Newsletter

More than half of people with ADHD also have another condition.

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