How do ADHD and Bipolar differ?

Bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are behavioral or mood disorders. ADHD and Bipolar both share similar characteristics including: impulsivity, inattention, hyperactivity, physical energy, behavioral and emotional changes, learning problems, and conduct disorder. Since the two disorders share so many characteristics, it makes it hard for medical professionals to distinguish between the two.

ADHD affects approximately 8 to 10 percent of school-aged children. Boys are more prone to ADHD than girls. There are three different types of ADHD, inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and a combination of both. The main symptoms are inability to pay attention, organizational problems, difficultly remaining seated, excessive energy, homework problems, and many others. For most children who are diagnosed with ADHD, they will undergo a treatment program that entails behavioral therapy and medication. ADHD cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with proper measures.

Bipolar disorder on the other hand is not a single disorder, but several mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more episodes of elevated mood, commonly referred to as mania. Unlike ADHD, Bipolar disorder usually does not appear until late adolescence or early adulthood. Some of the following are common symptoms of Bipolar disorder: depression, mania, excessive moodiness or irritability, and impulsive or reckless behavior. Some people who are diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder experience mixed episodes of mania and depression. These mixed periods are often followed by periods of normality. Bipolar is categorized into 3 different groups based on the type and severity of the mood episodes experienced: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and cyclothymia.

ADHD and Bipolar are both linked to family history. Recently, Bipolar disorder has been proven to be linked to family genetics. Fortunately for both disorders, they can be controlled by the use of psycho stimulants or antidepressants. Many children who are diagnosed with ADHD are later diagnosed with Bipolar disorder in adolescence or early adulthood.

ADHD versus Bipolar

With those suffering from Bipolar, they may notice their hyperactivity to be more episodic. The elevated "mood swings" in bipolar are sporadic compared to ADHD, which occurs on a daily basis. Many children who develop bipolar disorder develop a depressive disorder first. Both disorders see different patterns of destructiveness. For a child with ADHD, they break things carelessly while playing. For a child suffering from Bipolar, they break things out of anger. Severe temper tantrums often occur in children with Bipolar, during which they are physically violent and exhibit uncontrollable manic episodes. A child with ADHD will calm down after about 20 minutes, while one with Bipolar can take as long as 4 hours to calm down. Those suffering from Bipolar may also lose memory of their temper tantrum.

The trigger effect for both disorders is different. For those with ADHD, they will be triggered by over-stimulation (homework, transitions, etc.). A child suffering from Bipolar will be triggered by conflict with authorities or limit-setting rules. Disobedience is often seen as a key element in diagnosing Bipolar.

Children suffering from Bipolar tend to be irritable, especially in the morning upon awakening. A child with ADHD will rise quickly from bed and be alert within minutes. The children with Bipolar often have severe nightmares and have trouble attaining sleep. Those with ADHD show troubles going to sleep, but do not have multiple awakenings or fears of going to sleep as those with Bipolar do.

Learning disabilities are common in both Bipolar and ADHD; however, those with Bipolar have motivational problems instead of specific learning disabilities. Children with Bipolar can use motivation to overcome inattention, unlike those with ADHD who are easily distracted. The same thing happens with behaviors of children. Those with ADHD may be tagged as "misbehaved" when really it is accidental. Their misbehavior is often due to inattentiveness. A child with Bipolar is intentionally misbehaving for attention or for challenge with authority. Bipolar children look for fights and enjoy power struggles.

Diagnosing ADHD

To diagnose ADHD your doctor will perform a physical examination and discuss any concerns and symptoms you may have about your child. You need to know your family's health history, your child's health information such as allergies or medications they are currently taking. ADHD has been linked to the genetic history of your family and knowing this information will help your doctor to diagnose the type of ADHD your child has.

You will be required to fill out a questionnaire about your child mostly behavior information such as how they act at school, at home, and among friends. Your doctor may require the phone numbers of those individuals who see your child on a daily basis.

Unfortunately, there is no single test for ADHD. There is only a question and answer diagnosis. For some children, their doctor may refer them to a psychologist for further evaluation. The psychologist may require a psychological or neuropsychological testing to determine factors that may be causing behavior issues with your child. These tests can take several hours as they include written and spoken questions to help pinpoint your child's problem more specifically.

For most children, ADHD symptoms begin before age 7 and can last through adolescence into adulthood. While the exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood, there are several factors that have been tested to be associated with ADHD. Knowing this information may help reduce the risk of developing the disorder. The main factors are:

• Psychosocial adversity. This is typically linked to home life. For a child who has had parents get divorced, a loss of a parent due to death or prison, parent's with mental disorders, poverty, or foster care; these children tend to be at risk for a behavioral disorder.
  
• Pregnancy complications. Some children who are born with low birth weight, fetal distress, or poor maternal health are at risk for behavioral disorders. If the mother used alcohol, drugs, or tobacco, your child will be at risk for ADHD.
  
• Lead poisoning is another factor leading to behavioral disorders. It is rare, but it has been proven to cause ADHD in some children.

Diagnosing Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is also tested through various questionnaires. It is important that you answer all the questions truthfully and to the fullest extent. There are other conditions your doctor will take into consideration when diagnosing Bipolar. You may have to do laboratory blood and urine testing if your doctor suspects problems with your thyroid or abuse of drugs and alcohol.

Hypothyroidism is common in bipolar patients, particularly women. It contributes to sleepiness and poor mental health. Your doctor will also test you for adrenal disorders, Vitamin B12 deficiency, neurological disorders, and will evaluate your medications.

Treatment

Most cases of ADHD are treated with medication and behavioral therapy. It is important to closely monitor your child's treatment plan and make regular adjustments with your child's doctor if you notice your child is not responding to the treatment. It is essential to your child's plan that you actively participate in the treatment program. Medications are often given to children with ADHD. It is important to remember that medication can affect kids differently. There are three main types of medication that your doctor may prescribe for your child; stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants.

Stimulants are the best known treatments for helping a child with ADHD. The doses usually last for about 4 hours; some can last up to 12 hours. As with any medication, there are side effects. Decreased appetite, stomachache, irritability, and insomnia are the main side effect with stimulants. Non-stimulants are quickly becoming popular since they last up to 24 hours and have fewer side effects. Lastly, antidepressants are another treatment option. Antidepressants have been under debate for several years as they have been shown to increase risk for suicide in children and teens. Always discuss the use of medication with your child's doctor before you begin treatment.

Bipolar disorder is a long-term treatment plan since the mood imbalances are unpredictable and life-long. Medications are often prescribed to treat Bipolar disorder. These medications are known as "mood stabilizers" and help to control the imbalances in mood swings. Lithium has been used for several years to treat Bipolar disorder. It is the best long-term drug for many patients and works well when treating Bipolar disorder. There are many other drugs your doctor may try if you are not responding to the lithium. Antiseizure drugs work for patients who suffer from more mania and mixed state Bipolar. For those who are schizophrenic, your doctor many try atypical antipsychotics. There is also depression medication for those patients who suffer from depression.

Making a list of all your behaviors or your child's behaviors can help the doctor to determine if you or your child has ADHD or Bipolar disorder. Many doctors will refer you to a specialist for further evaluation if they are unsure of their diagnosis. If you are not responding to the treatment plan, tell your doctor right away. Suffering from ADHD or Bipolar can affect your happiness and progression in life. Though it may be hard to admit you have some of the symptoms, you will feel better once treatment begins to work and you no longer have some of the problems you were experiencing before.