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.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Piecing together the puzzle of bipolar and ADHD together.

Solving the ADHD-Bipolar Puzzle

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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

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

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

The Physician’s Guide for Distinguishing Bipolar Disorder and ADHD

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?

Treatment for the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

An image of two brains symbolizes ADHD comorbidity, or dual diagnoses

“Identifying and Treating Bipolar Disorder in ADHD Adults and Kids” [podcast episode #95]

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

Free Expert Resource: Solving the Bipolar and ADHD Puzzle

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Does My Child Have ADHD & Bipolar Disorder?

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