Contrasting Teen Bipolar Disorder and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
It is important to distinguish BP from Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adolescents because both the psychotherapeutic and medication interventions are different for the two disorders. For example, the treatment of ADHD usually includes behavioral management techniques that have absolutely no effect on the control of mood, the distinguishing feature of BP. Equally as important, the medications prescribed for ADHD are amphetamines, which, if inappropriately given to someone suffering from BP, can result in triggering a potentially dangerous manic episode. The following tables, prepared from research done by Geller (2002) and reported by Youngstrom & Feeny (2006), compare and contrast symptoms of the two disorders:
Bipolar and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) symptoms that overlap:
- Irritability
- Pressured Speech
- Distractibility
- High Energy
Bipolar and ADHD symptoms that differ:
Symptom | Occurrence rate in: |
| Bipolar | ADHD |
| Elated Mood | 89% | 13% |
| Grandosity | 86% | 5% |
| Flight of Ideas | 71% | 10% |
| Hypersexuality | 43% | 6% |
| Suicide Plan or Intent | 25% | 0% |
| Psychosis | 60% | 0% |
Because it is so important to distinguish Bipolar from ADHD, a thorough assessment must be made, including a family history. You should be very suspect if the professional you are working with talks with you and your child for 10 or 15 minutes, then proceeds to diagnose and prescribe your child’s needs. Proper care is essential, and requires time and thoroughness as a precursor. See: Choosing A Mental Health Professional, below, as well as Choosing A Therapist for your teen.
More information on Bipolar Disorder:
