What Is Bipolar Disorder? Signs & Symptoms

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?

A red and blue pill with black background signifying the diagnosis of bipolar disorder

Where ADHD and Bipolar Disorder Overlap

A child with symptoms of bipolar disorder swings at the park

What Bipolar Disorder Looks Like in Children

It’s easy to write off a bad mood as just bipolar brain chemistry. This is an easy trap to fall into — one that can even help patients and family members cope from time to time. But for the most part, people with bipolar disorder react to daily events no differently than does everyone else — not everything is mania or depression. You have a right to your feelings. Don’t assume that every outburst or moment of sadness is just another “episode.”

Bipolar Mood Disorder and ADHD

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

Popular in 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

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?

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

The Physician’s Guide for Distinguishing Bipolar Disorder and ADHD

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

An Avocado a Day?

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

Free Expert Resource: Solving the Bipolar and ADHD Puzzle

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...

Ask the Experts

Is it ADHD or Bipolar Disorder?

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

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

How to Distinguish RSD from Bipolar Disorder

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

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

Q: Bipolar Meltdown? Or Rejection Sensitivity Meltdown?

If your child is prone to extreme outbursts, it’s important to understand whether the source is...

How to Treat ADHD Symptoms with ADHD Medication Like Ritalin

Bipolar Disorder

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

How to get an accurate diagnosis and effectiv...

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...

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...

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...

The latest information, research, and news on conditions related to ADHD

ADHD News & Research

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...

Guest Blogs

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

I struggled through life and work until I received my dual diagnosis — ADHD and bipolar — and...

Boy with ADHD having meltdown and screaming outside

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...

Webinars & Podcasts

Free Webinar Replay: How Brain Imaging Helps Us Understand and Treat Attention Deficit

Access the video replay, listen to the podcast episode (#282), download the slide presentation, and...

ADHD News & Research

Review: ADHD Three Times More Common in People with Mood Disorders

Individuals with mood disorders are at a significant risk for ADHD, according to a new meta-analysis....

On-Demand Webinars

Live Webinar on March 10: Is It Bipolar Disorder or ADHD Moodiness? A Guide to Getting the Right Diagnosis and Treatment

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