The Differences Between ADHD & Bipolar Disorder

I've had MANY people ask me what the differences are between ADHD and Bipolar Disorder. This makes sense on so many levels and we're going to explore this topic thoroughly. I've spoken with countless people who were misdiagnosed with ADHD as a child, when it was in fact Bipolar Disorder all those years. Waiting until their adult life falls apart to find out they've been receiving the wrong care their entire life is beyond frustrating. In fact it's downright devastating.

I was reading some research by a Harvard Psychology Teacher who had some amazing insight into this topic. His name is Roberto Olvardia if you want to check out his work. The way he described the similarities and differences between ADHD and Bipolar Disorder were spot on. We are going to explore many of these in this video from Polar Warriors!

There are millions of people in the US alone with Bipolar Disorder. Studies have shown that up to 70% of people with Bipolar Disorder also have ADHD which really surprised me. About 20% of people with ADHD will develop Bipolar Disorder. When someone has both (which we call a co-occurring disorder), the lines can get really blurred. This is where most of the misdiagnoses come from.

If someone has both ADHD and Bipolar Disorder, they can enhance each other in some very negative ways. This can include even stronger ADHD symptoms and an earlier onset of Bipolar Disorder at a younger age. Hopefully by the end of this video, you will have a much better understanding of both the differences and similarities these illnesses share.

My channel is completely dedicated to helping individuals, families, and friends who struggle with, or know someone living with Bipolar Disorder. My goal is to provide actual tools, tips, and discuss topics that can potentially help “Polar Warriors” grow to live a more balanced, peaceful, and fulfilling life.

-Rob Whittaker, Polar Warriors: Bipolar Support

HELPFUL LINKS & ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

[Musshi]

“Sometimes you have to lose your mind to come to your senses” … you have no idea how profound this quote is 🙏🏼

[movingnaturefilms]

I was misdiagnosed ADD/ODD at 13. I found out I had Bipolar at 36. All those years of struggle. I'm now 39 and have my shit together, rebuilding my life, and relationships. It's actually going very well. There is hope my friends.

[BecomeUseful]

I have Bipolar II and ADHD. I appreciate what you do so much. So many doctors don't bother explaining or putting things in context. A resource like yours helps us get the most out of our doctors as well as helping us make our loves ones understand.

[VictoriaAshley]

I had the opposite. I was misdiagnosed with bipolar (despite never, ever having a "magical mania" feeling, never engaging in manic behavior, and always having a reason (situational) when I was depressed.) I was put on meds that did more harm than good and it wasn't until I was an adult that I *finally* got the right diagnosis of ADHD, medication, and treatment. My life is so much better now. Although I really wish I didn't have to wait so long to get the correct diagnosis, but because I was a girl, I wasn't flunking school, nor running around the classroom hyper, I suffered for a long time and was given medication I didn't need. However, I'm thankful it was finally figured out and I'm on the right path.

[grammyd]

I was never treated for either and didn't get treatment until I was in my 60's. I was depressed and suicidal since I was 5 yrs old and have been all my life. I now am on meds for my bipolar and depression. I don't think about suicide anymore. I had a very tough time as a child with this. I also have CPTSD and insomnia for all my life. The meds help me now and am so fortunate to be alive. Thank you very much for what you do Robert. I've given your site to the counsellors at our local crisis center. It has helped them to help others. You are very appreciated.

[DannyB]

I have ADHD and was undiagnosed until I was 18! The ONLY statement I personally disagree with is that ADHD sufferer's act on impulse and CHOOSE what to do! In my early years I just had to get a crazy idea in my head and I would do it without a moments hesitation OR considering the consequences! However I worked very hard to develop my own coping mechanisms as otherwise I was going to continue to be arrested and would have ended up in prison! I appreciate the help and insights into bipolar disorder and your videos have helped me a lot so thanks very much

[kellymcdaniel]

I was diagnosed as bipolar I at 17 but when I was diagnosed and treated for adhd at 38 I received so much clarity in my life💜

[margrietbrandsma]

Thank you. This is important. My brother first got diagnosed ADHD. After years and years of struggling me and two of my siblings got the diagnoses BiPolar and finally got the right help.

[sicilyny]

The best explanation I have ever heard comparing ADHD and Bipolar.
My son was diagnosed a severe behavior disorder in Kindergarten...2 yrs later he was diagnosed mostly deaf!
Then came diagnose of ADHD..
I refused meds for him and we fought the school.
Then at 16 i saw all the signs of Bipilar i ignored earlier...
Hyped up energy..talking fast...i can do anything attitude..no sleep..then severe depression..sleeping alot...hiding in his room..this was up n down and he started drinking at 18..then pot smoking...he was super intelligent andchad few problems in school but he dropped out of college...his ups n downs got worse..
He went from workaholic to alcoholic and now at 35 alk i basically see is a wasted young man drinking sex and bars is his life....Ive talked to him so often about bipolar...I have it..his great grandfather and 2 great uncles had it..possibly my great aunt on moms side..rampant in this family.
He wont get professionally diagnosed or seek help. He knows I am on meds that help and I gave him lots of tools to help...he just wont do it..
I'm so fearful he will have a bad end...he has many factors in his life besides deafness..rejection from bio dad..abusive step dad..me being "off the wall" most of his life..etc...
Any suggestions.
I would love for him to watch your videos they are helpful...
Anyway thank you for you...you do help me realize bipolar is doable❤

[friendlyvampire]

I was diagnosed with ADHD, at first and a couple years later, just a few days ago, i was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type 2. I still believe i have ADHD but a less severe form.

[kevinm]

Robert you are the best. When I watch you I feel it's Ok to have bipolar disorder. Your like-ability, and easy way of talking about our condition is comforting. I'm sorry that you suffer. So do I. A few years ago I stopped trying to explain to my friends what my experience was like. That did not work. Their suggestions completely missed the mark. But whenever I walk into a DBSA meeting (Depression Bipolar Support Alliance) meeting I can sense that everyone just understands without having to explain. I've found the right meds and the right treatment plan on my own and I am doing OK most of the time. But I'll have days when the train feels like it is going to jump the tracks. But even those days are not so bad. I've got a good life.
So I am very glad you are brave and good at doing what you do here on Youtube. Thank you.

[victorhanson]

Does anyone *in a manic episode* feel like they’re car is on neutral but they’re foot is down on the gas taccing the engine up to 5 or 6

[TheOptimistikChic]

Excellent video, as usual! I would strongly urge many people to watch as I feel the two are often misdiagnosed. I was diagnosed with manic depression or bipolar disorder when I was 16, & later (18) diagnosed with ADHD as well. (comorbid). At that age I was not on any medications for either illness but I can say that episodes of my bipolar were extremely heightened- and usually not in a good way. It took years of doctors and lots of honesty from me to get me right. Self-medicating via drugs or alcohol is so common, and so detrimental. Now, on a great course of diet, exercise, therapy and medication, I am (willing) and able to treat both - which keeps my spark but doesn't completely put out the flame. 😉
Loved this video! 💜 (Bipolar 1 & ADHD & PTSD)

[policornia]

I am a psychologist with bipolar type 2... my boyfriend have ADHD and I think my father have Bipolar disorder and ADHD... BUT its still very hard to make the difference... this video was such a help for me! You should make one with the diferences between Bipolar disorder and Borderline Personality. Thanks!!

[richardmoore]

I have to live with both of these disorders (BP II, Combined Presentation ADHD).

I am so thankful that I found a Psychiatrist, as well as an excellent physician that were finally able to help me.

I wasn't diagnosed until I was 24, and my academic, social, and romantic life suffered greatly.

I'm doing a lot better, (not perfect, and trying to balance things is hard), but I can say with honesty that it can, and does get better, so if you are struggling, don't give up hope!

So remember, when you are feeling like you can't keep going on, if something doesn't work out, you still learned what doesn't work, and you can try something new next time.

[meganmckinney]

Thank you. I was misdiagnosed with Bipolar II, severe depression, ADHD, you name it. The past two years have been some of the hardest in my life, mostly because of these misdiagnoses. I've always known deep down that I've had bipolar 1 but would not admit it out loud. I am currently seeing a new doctor and have been put on bipolar medication, which has helped me tremendously. the hardest part in all of this throughout my entire life has been trying to get doctors to listen to me. I believe I have bipolar 1 and ADHD and I believe I've had both my entire life. Thank you for giving me the courage to finally say this to My doctor. I have a phone appointment this Tuesday and plan on telling her just that. I'm tired of being told by a "professional" that I have a black and white, cut and dry disease, when in fact I know there is something more to it. Just....thank you for being so open and honest. You have helped me over the past few months more than I can properly put into words. So of all this rambling....thank you.

[deelightful]

Im 52 and did not realized i have ADHD till diagnoser at 40..I just thought I was extremely forgetful and disorgamized due to extreme business and stress.
My daughter was diagnosed woth bipolar 2 at age 14. She is 30 now and struggle to maintain normal activity during manic episodes.

[sharonzernia]

Thank you Robert for doing this segment of Bipolar and ADHD differences.

[chiaroscuroamore]

I’ve just found your channel and as someone with Biplolar Type 1 with Mixed States and Rapid Cycling as well as Generalised Anxiety Disorder life can be a literal roller coaster. I have wondered if I also have ADHD but have not worried about a formal diagnosis as I’m pretty stable med wise and don’t want to mess with it.

It’s nice to know I’m not alone.

[laurabrooks]

Rob thank you for cutting through all the fluff and junk. You make it so much easier to understand this disease. I have wrested with this question all my life. This is the best explanation I've gotten yet. Thank you again