Bipolar Disorder vs ADHD: A Common Misdiagnosis & Do They Overlap? | MedCircle

Bipolar disorder (formerly manic depression) can often look like ADHD and vice versa. Episodes of mania and hyperactivity often get confused. In this video, discover the truth behind bipolar disorder vs ADHD - why is it such a common misdiagnosis, and do they overlap?

The education doesn't end here. Discover more on bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other mental health symptoms most people miss with Dr. Dom at the links below.

In this discussion, double board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Dom Sportelli and MedCircle Host Kyle Kittleson answer...
- Can the symptoms of bipolar disorder mimic those of ADHD, or vice versa?
Why is this?

Do these disorders co-occur or overlap?
Who is most likely to experience both of these disorders? Why?
How can someone correctly differentiate between ADHD behavior and bipolar disorder behavior?
Does ADHD medication play a role?
How can someone find the right treatment for bipolar disorder and ADHD?

It answers questions like -
What is bipolar disorder in the first place?
What does a bipolar disorder manic episode and bipolar depression look like?

It includes -
Whether ADHD mimic other mood disorders like anxiety or depression or vice versa
What ADHD actually looks like in the brain
What an ADHD test looks like & how a doctor reaches an ADHD diagnosis
Options for ADHD treatment & ADHD medication
Other options for ADHD help
A full breakdown of the symptoms of ADHD and how to spot them
ADD vs ADHD

#BipolarDisorder #ADHD #MedCircle

*MedCircle is not a referral service and does not recommend, endorse, discourage, screen, or approve any providers, medical procedures, products, or services; nor does MedCircle provide medical advice of any kind. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.

[MedCircle]

This was just one video from the MedCircle all-day Mental Health Summit.

[paulreg]

You don’t grow out of ADHD. I’m disappointed that the effort people put into adapting to having ADHD is just dismissed as growing out of it. It takes a lot of work to get there.

[cpink]

Hi. I'm not sure if you got your statistics wrong or maybe just mistaken, but research shows the exact opposite of what you mentioned about growing out of ADHD. Somewhere between 60% and 85% of people diagnosed with ADHD in childhood continue to have severe symptoms well into adulthood that require treatment. What children do "grow out" of is the external symptoms of hyperactivity of ADHD, like running around, non-stop playing, and pacing at inappropriate times. Adults with hyperactive type ADHD tend to have far more internal symptoms of hyperactivity like racing thoughts, impatience, becoming easily bored with activities, and the inability to accurately gauge the passage of time. Of course, adults with inattentive type ADHD still experience similar internal symptoms as they did when they were children, including not being able to complete tasks, becoming overly focused on unimportant tasks, difficulty with oral directions, disorganization, the inability to accurately gauge the passage of time, trouble multitasking, poor planning, and forgetfulness. Saying that ADHD is something that you can "grow out" of can ultimately be really stigmatizing to adults with ADHD who feel a lot of internalized shame for not being able to function like everyone else.

[tomseiple]

All due respect, the language used around "growing out of ADHD" really missed the mark. I got a diagnosis for ADHD recently and the thru line of its impact on my life are very clear. I manage my ADHD, so well in fact, that I manage a medium team in a large, high pace tech company, but it is still a battle for me. ADHD still robs me of joy, peace, presence, and confidence, even tho I manage it well and can control myself. ADHD still impacts my relationships and maintenance of my life. I understand the intent - that bi-polar is far more challenging to cope with, if not impossible, but your language here really matters.

[paulgrant]

I have bi polar and been sectioned 5 times, they eventually found the right medication and I have not had manic episode or been sectioned for 11 years yippee

[flowiththego]

I'd like to see a video on the overlap and differences between ADHD and autism. Thanks in advance. Keep up the awesome work! ❤️

[madisoncannoles]

ADHD isn't noted early in females, I've learned since my diagnosis at 32 (7 yrs ago), but my counselor had me convinced that I had a type of bipolar disorder. She referred me to a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with which explained ALOT.

[blu_angel]

I had ADHD as a child, I don't think you grow out of it, but it can get better. and you learn ways to make life easier. My friends still tease me, and that's fine, However I know that spacey, does not equal stupid, and I think that's something children should be taught early on.

[polarpalmwv]

Difficulty with emotional regulation was part of ADHD up until the early 1970s (first appearing in the medical literature in the 1700s) when it was removed. According to Dr. Stephen Barkley, a well-known ADHD researcher of over 40 years, in the past year research has indicated that difficulties with emotional regulation ARE a core feature of ADHD. Just a thought to add to the discussion. All that said, I have come to the conclusion that the medical community does NOT share a common understanding and belief regarding what ADHD is.

[shesaid]

I was misdiagnosed bipolar and when I saw a therapist for two years she said there was no way and I just have fairly bad ADHD. I was diagnosed with adhd by a neurologist at five. The way we see adhd has changed so much since then. I’m so relieved to have found help and it working!

[Ana-sjet]

was very interested until he started saying that you “grow” out of it. it’s literally the way your brain processes information, you NEVER grow out of it. you learn to adapt. that’s why one of the criteria when you’re diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is that you have to have been experience symptoms before the age of 12. why? because if you weren’t, it’s most likely not ADHD.

please please PLEASE don’t spread out that misinformation, this is exactly why ADHD is so misunderstood in people that don’t actually have it

[TaylorTracy]

You don't "grow out" of ADHD (as others have said in the comments). This is an insult to those of us who are neurodiverse. Your brain chemistry changes as you get older. My ADHD decided to change when I was 30 and my Adderall regimen I was on for years no longer worked. No other triggers/changes. Haven't found a way to build up to what my "normal" level of organization and function was before then, which was low to begin with.

It takes so much effort to get myself to face the day, get ready for the day, then go through it. I was recently was diagnosed with Bipolar II so I'm not very familiar with how that's going to come into play.

It's really upsetting to hear this interview spewing stigma and really playing down how hard it is to appear high functioning as someone with ADHD. I was hoping to learn more about what might be going on with me. Instead I feel shamed for having ADHD and not "growing out of it."

And yes, I watched the entire video before commenting, I was hoping there'd be more clarification that "growing out" of ADHD isn't something that magically happens to most people. Good luck to anyone who seeks help from either of you and have a positive self esteem. I guess I'm a failure for still having ADHD even though I'm doing everything I can, right? Having both broken executive functioning and depression with Bipolar II makes it hard to even get out of bed and face the day. Thank you for making me feel like a failure. Really needed that.

Ugh.

[andrewreeveart]

I disagree with "difficulty processing information" re: adhd. I was diagnosed adhd a few years ago. It's likely I have a mood disorder too. "Processing information" is far too generic. Adhd has many benefits - hyperfocus being one, which is very useful for creative tasks and academia. My adhd, and whatever extra fun thing my brain has been wired into, has been a factor in achieving a BA in Fine Art, and an MA in art history as well as undertaking numerous creative projects.

At the same time it's been a massive pain in the ass - employment, relationships, etc.

[watchthisheadspace]

It’s not that many that ‘grow out’ of it. It’s usually lifelong and there are just coping strategies and medications, which can have profound effects (mostly medications)

[lykoe]

SUPER excited to even learn that it is a common diagnosis. ADHD is definitely something that needs more study on since it can conflict as other disorders pretty well

[julesgiddings]

ADHD also comes with some serious mood issues believe me, I know. I’ve been trying to manage this monster for 50 years.

[KiwikimNZ]

So frustrated at my bipolar diagnoses, professionals not listening to me when I say I feel it is adhd. I feel so unheard !

[jordonlongley]

“~70% of people diagnosed with adhd in childhood grow out of it as adults”.

Completely false. Most don’t grow out of it. Being successfully treated with medication (and therapy, often times) does not count as growing out of it, just as being properly medicated for bipolar doesn’t mean you have been cured.

[amandah]

I don’t always get myself into trouble in hypomania. I just start new businesses and programs 🤣 then I wake up three weeks later like… “what the hell was I thinking?”

[Jeszrox]

This is something that’s so hard to figure out because my doctor refuses to try ADHD meds on me. He’s scared that if he’s wrong it’ll send me into a manic episode