If I were to tell you that seven out of every ten bipolar adults would also qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD would you believe me? Probably not! Nevertheless this is what the most recent research is telling us. Additionally, the last few years have seen a substantial increase in the number of cases of bipolar disorder in children, many of which had already been diagnosed with ADHD, thus the term ADHD bipolar disorder.
ADHD has been broken down into three different types. They are the inattentive type, the impulsive hyperactivity type, and the combined type. So needless to say not all cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are the same. This is the case with bipolar disorder as well with many variation being seen.
Bipolar children are much more prone to fighting and irritability in general. Additionally, their moods seem to be to more cyclic. That said, one type of bipolar disorder known as rapid-cycling can show changes in activity and temperament on a daily, or even an hourly, basis.
What is bipolar disorder anyway?
Bipolar disorder is similar to depression except instead of feeling down in the dumps all the time a person experiences periods where they feel excessively up. In other words bipolar disorder is a rollercoaster of emotions with the highest of highs and lowest of lows.
Similarities between bipolar disorder and ADHD
The general consensus is that both disorder share a biological link but exactly what that link is no one really knows for sure. Most believe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to be driven by a combination of slow brain development in the areas responsible for self-regulation combined with an imbalance in the neurotransmitter chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. It would be logical to assume that these same brain chemicals, along with serotonin, are at the core of bipolar disorder.
The characteristics that define both disorders are eerily similar and include inattention, impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, restlessness, boundless supplies of energy, frequent changes in behavior, learning problems, and the coexistence of oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder.
Sleep problems are another common thread between the two with insomnia playing a role and some might argue throwing the biological imbalances even further out of whack, thus exasperating the symptoms.
Motor restlessness during sleep is also another common factor. Children who experience a high or manic cycle during sleep may become quite restless though they may have little physical motion when they are feeling down.
Heredity also seem to another aspect linking the two. We know that if one parent has ADHD the chances of their children having the condition is about 50/50. While the chances of inheriting bipolar disorder doesn't appear to be quite as high it definitely plays an important role.
One difference worth pointing out is that while men are about 3 times more likely to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder both men and women are equally likely to be diagnosed as bipolar.
In conclusion, there are times when the lines can become blurred between these two condition leading to a diagnosis of ADHD bipolar disorder. This is especially true of the 40 percent of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who show aggression or defiance.
ADHD has been broken down into three different types. They are the inattentive type, the impulsive hyperactivity type, and the combined type. So needless to say not all cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are the same. This is the case with bipolar disorder as well with many variation being seen.
Bipolar children are much more prone to fighting and irritability in general. Additionally, their moods seem to be to more cyclic. That said, one type of bipolar disorder known as rapid-cycling can show changes in activity and temperament on a daily, or even an hourly, basis.
What is bipolar disorder anyway?
Bipolar disorder is similar to depression except instead of feeling down in the dumps all the time a person experiences periods where they feel excessively up. In other words bipolar disorder is a rollercoaster of emotions with the highest of highs and lowest of lows.
Similarities between bipolar disorder and ADHD
The general consensus is that both disorder share a biological link but exactly what that link is no one really knows for sure. Most believe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to be driven by a combination of slow brain development in the areas responsible for self-regulation combined with an imbalance in the neurotransmitter chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. It would be logical to assume that these same brain chemicals, along with serotonin, are at the core of bipolar disorder.
The characteristics that define both disorders are eerily similar and include inattention, impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, restlessness, boundless supplies of energy, frequent changes in behavior, learning problems, and the coexistence of oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder.
Sleep problems are another common thread between the two with insomnia playing a role and some might argue throwing the biological imbalances even further out of whack, thus exasperating the symptoms.
Motor restlessness during sleep is also another common factor. Children who experience a high or manic cycle during sleep may become quite restless though they may have little physical motion when they are feeling down.
Heredity also seem to another aspect linking the two. We know that if one parent has ADHD the chances of their children having the condition is about 50/50. While the chances of inheriting bipolar disorder doesn't appear to be quite as high it definitely plays an important role.
One difference worth pointing out is that while men are about 3 times more likely to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder both men and women are equally likely to be diagnosed as bipolar.
In conclusion, there are times when the lines can become blurred between these two condition leading to a diagnosis of ADHD bipolar disorder. This is especially true of the 40 percent of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who show aggression or defiance.
Robert D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic consumer advocate for natural health and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field.
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