Childhood bipolar disorder is often different than bipolar disorder in adults.  Bipolar disorder involves severe changes in mood and energy. States of extreme elation or irritability coupled with  high energy are called mania. Persistent states of extreme sadness or irritability accompanied by low energy are called depression.

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There are a lot of folks out there who are searching for information on Bipolar ADHD.  In fact, the two are quite related! There are many similarities including impulsiveness, hyperactivity, frequent changes in mood and behavior and learning problems. Other similarities include restless sleep and family histories that include both disorders.  Many times doctors and patients have a hard time telling bipolar disorder and ADHD apart.

There are several differences between Bipolar and ADHD that you can look for.

1. Destructiveness – Children with ADHD tend to break things because they are careless or moving to fast to be careful with their things.  Bipolar children often break things out of anger.
2. Anger – Anger in people with ADHD tends to last 20 minutes or less and then they will move on to another emotion, or simply get over it. Those with bipolar have trouble overcoming anger and will tend to be angry for 30 minutes up to 2 hours.
3. Sleep Patterns – Those with ADHD often have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.  Those with Bipolar Disorder often tend to wake up due to nightmares and often have a fear of falling asleep.
4. Treatment – Lithium will often help those with Bipolar Disorder but usually has no effect on those with ADHD.

Though there are many differences in Bipolar and ADHD, these two disorders can occur simultaneously in an unfortunate few.  This is often very difficult to diagnose.  ADHD gets diagnosed much more freqently than bipolar disorder and there are many physicians who think that those with bipolar often get misdiagnosed with ADHD.  This is why it is very important to find a doctor who will listen closely to what you are saying and do a thorough evaluation.

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