CHILDHOOD BIPOLAR IS VERY OFTEN COMORBID WITH ADHD

Children with psychiatric problems in the US are typically seeing pediatricians who are familiar with giving stimulants for ADHD, but are less aware of bipolar disorder.  

   In light of this continuing potential for confusion among practitioners, this editor has listed some of the critical differential elements in considering a diagnosis ofbipolar disorder versus severe ADHD.

  The following tablelists many signs and symptoms that are characteristic of bipolar disorder, but are relatively uncommon in ADHD.  Thus,the presence of many of these would strongly suggest that a diagnosis of bipolar disorder be considered and ruled out.

Mood should be stabilized first before stimulants for residual ADHD are given.

SYMPTOMS SUGGESTIVE OF BIPOLAR DISORDER AND NOT ADHD

Decreased need for sleep

Mood elevation and brief or extended periods of euphoria

Extremes of poor frustration tolerance and aggression

Suicidal or homicidal ideation

Hallucinations or delusions

Hypersexuality

Typical symptoms of ADHD such as hyperactivity, decreased attention, and inability to focus are common in both ADHD and bipolar disorder.

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