Often, people who have bipolar disorder and ADHD may have the symptoms of both disorders at the same time. This is not necessarily a bad thing. However, it can be confusing to distinguish between the two. The key is to use the DSM-5, or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, to make a diagnosis. The DSM-5 is a guideline for diagnosing conditions in the United States. In order to make a proper diagnosis, doctors need to know about the signs and symptoms of both disorders.
Some of the most common symptoms of bipolar disorder are increased energy, decreased need for sleep, and irritability. On the other hand, children with ADHD tend to have less intense irritability. Medications for bipolar disorder include Dexedrine, methylphenidate, and other amphetamines. These medications can help stabilize a person’s mood and encourage the production of norepinephrine.
A number of studies have investigated the connection between bipolar disorder and ADHD. Researchers found that bipolar mood fluctuations can increase a person’s risk for self-harm and suicide. If left untreated, the mood disorder can also lead to a high rate of substance abuse. In addition, if a person has both conditions, it can take months before they experience any symptoms. This makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the combination.
One study screened 50 subjects with bipolar disorder from an adult inpatient psychiatric unit during an acute relapse. These patients were rated on a number of tests for bipolar and ADHD. They were also given an ADHD Rating Scale to assess for the presence of both disorders. The study was led by Joseph Biederman, M.D., a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
Another study conducted by the same researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital examined the prevalence of ADHD among patients with bipolar disorder. These individuals were screened by using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. The results indicated that ADHD is more common among individuals with bipolar than those without the disorder. This might be due to genetics or environmental factors.
Although the connections between ADHD and bipolar aren’t clear, research has indicated that there is a genetic component to the conditions. In fact, people who have ADHD are 30 times more likely to develop bipolar disorder in the future. Those who have a family member with both disorders are at a much higher risk.
In addition, there are other possible comorbidities between these two disorders. For example, if a child has ADHD, it can take longer for a doctor to correctly diagnose the bipolar disorder. In the meantime, the health care professional will recommend medications to help stabilize a person’s symptoms. The best treatment for ADHD and bipolar disorder is often a combination of medication and therapy. The medications work by boosting the production of dopamine and norepinephrine.
To get the right treatment for a patient with a comorbid condition, the healthcare provider should complete a thorough history and examination. They should be sure to ask about family history, as well as their symptoms. This can lead to a more accurate diagnosis and better outcomes. In addition, a comorbidity evaluation can help the patient learn how to cope with their symptoms.
