ADD/ADHD and bipolar disorder are two separate conditions. However, the symptoms for each can look similar and sometimes overlap. It is also fairly common for adults to have both disorders. An ADD medical doctor and specialist, Daniel Amen, notes that some studies show half of those with bipolar disorder also have ADHD. And, ADDitude magazine reports than 20% of those with ADHD have bipolar disorder. It helps to understand the similarities and differences in each disorder, and how they can both present themselves in adults.
ADHD Basics
ADHD effects how a person's brain works, which is seen through reactions and behaviors. Adults with ADHD may have a more difficult time paying attention to topics that don't interest them. They can also be distracted more easily and have periods of hyperactivity. About.com's page "Understanding ADD/ADHD" offers more basics about the disorder.
Bipolar Basics
Bipolar disorder relates more to a person's overall moods, and is sometimes also called bipolar mood disorder. There are a few types of bipolar disorders--patients can have extreme episodes of severe depression as well as extreme manic episodes that can last for short or long periods of time, depending on the type. You can learn more about the basics of bipolar disorder at About.com's "What is bipolar disorder?" page.
Bipolar versus ADHD
There are diagnosable differences when it comes to ADHD and bipolar disorder. Some symptoms are shared by both, such as perceived moodiness, impatience and sudden bursts of energy, according to Dr. William Dodson in his ADDitude magazine article "Is it more than ADHD? Diagnosing and Treating Bipolar Disorder." However, there are differences in how the two are diagnosed. ADHD must be clear in childhood for a diagnosis, for example, while bipolar is often not apparent until adulthood.
Specialist Daniel Amen studies different types of ADD/ADHD. He identified a type of ADHD that is similar to bipolar disorder, which he labels Ring of Fire ADD in his book "Healing ADD." However, he notes that those who have bipolar disorder have manic episodes, while those with ADHD (and not bipolar disorder) do not.
Behavioral Treatments
Medical specialists with ADDitude magazine suggest that doctors should first treat bipolar symptoms, and that the two disorders should be considered separate conditions, even if they exist in the same patient. There are many health professionals who work with both disorders, according to the National Resource Center on ADHD. These can include doctors (including psychiatrists), nurses, therapists, social workers and psychologists. Several types of treatments exist for both conditions, including behavioral therapies, coaching and self-help tools. Only certain medical providers can prescribe mediations, however.
Medications
There are several drugs that may be used to treat either bipolar disorder or ADHD. Stimulant medications are usually used to treat ADHD--these drugs help patients with issues of boredom and distractability.There are many types of drugs used to treat bipolar disorder, including lithium, anti-convulsants and anti-psychotics, according to WebMD.com. It's important that doctors and other health providers are aware of how treatments may interact, and how treatments for one condition could impact symptoms of the other condition. That's why bipolar disorder should be diagnosed first, according to ADD/ADHD specialist Daniel Amen.
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