When ADHD and Bipolar Collide

If you’re reading this, you might be wondering whether you or someone you care about is dealing with ADHD, bipolar disorder, or both. It’s a confusing, often overwhelming journey to figure out what’s going on when your mind feels like it’s running a marathon in two directions at once.

Today, we discuss what it means to have ADHD and bipolar disorder, how they overlap, and what you can do to find clarity and support.

At We Level Up in Spokane Valley, Washington we know how tough it can be to navigate mental health challenges. Let’s break down the complexities of ADHD and bipolar disorder so you can feel ready to take the next step.

What Are ADHD and Bipolar Disorder?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder are distinct mental health conditions, but they can look strikingly similar, making diagnosis tricky. Both can disrupt daily life, affect relationships and make you feel like you’re riding an emotional rollercoaster. Understanding their core features is the first step to managing them.

ADHD: More Than Just Distraction

ADHD affects your ability to focus, stay organized and manage impulses. It’s a lot more than being distracted or hyper. For many, it feels like your brain is constantly juggling ten thoughts at once, making it hard to prioritize or slow down. According to the NIMH, ADHD impacts about 4.4% of adults and 9.4% of children in the U.S. Adults with ADHD often have very different behaviors than children with ADHD.

Here’s what symptoms of ADHD might look like.

• Trouble focusing on tasks or conversations
• Acting impulsively, like interrupting others or making quick decisions that are not well thought out
• Restlessness or feeling on the go all the time
• Difficulty organizing tasks or managing time

For many, ADHD feels like a constant battle to stay on track. It can show up in childhood and persist into adulthood, affecting work, school and relationships.

Bipolar Disorder and Living Between Highs and Lows

Bipolar disorder involves intense mood swings, from high highs (mania or hypomania) to low lows (depression). These shifts last days, weeks, or months. They involve more side effects than moodiness.

• Manic episodes: Feeling unstoppable, overly energetic, or irritable, often with racing thoughts or risky behavior
• Hypomanic episodes: Milder versions of mania, where you feel productive but may still act impulsively
• Depressive episodes: Depressive symptoms include overwhelming sadness, fatigue, or hopelessness, sometimes making it hard to get out of bed

These mood swings can disrupt your life in various ways.

Can You Have ADHD and Bipolar Disorder at the Same Time?

Yes, you can have both ADHD and bipolar disorder. When this occurs, doctors refer to it as comorbidity. 10-20% of people with bipolar disorder have ADHD, and vice versa. This overlap can make life feel like a whirlwind, but understanding the interplay can help you find the right support.

When bipolar and ADHD coexist, symptoms can amplify each other. For example, the impulsivity of ADHD might intensify during a manic episode, leading to risky decisions. Similarly, the inattention of ADHD can make it harder to manage the emotional lows of bipolar depression. Recognizing this overlap is necessary for getting the right diagnosis and treatment.

How ADHD and Bipolar Disorder Overlap (and How They Don’t)

Distinguishing between ADHD and bipolar disorder (or identifying both) is essential for effective treatment. Let’s explore the key similarities and differences to help you understand what is going on.

Similarities Between ADHD and Bipolar Disorder

• Mood Swings vs. Consistent Symptoms: Bipolar disorder causes episodic mood changes (highs and lows that come and go). ADHD symptoms, like inattention or impulsivity, are more constant.
• Energy Levels: During mania, you might feel superhuman energy for days. ADHD restlessness is less intense and more persistent.
• Duration: Bipolar mood episodes last days to weeks. ADHD symptoms are chronic and often lifelong.
• Triggers: Bipolar episodes can occur without clear triggers. ADHD symptoms may worsen with stress but do not follow a cyclical pattern.

Overlapping Symptoms

• Impulsivity: Both can lead to rash decisions, like overspending or interrupting others.
• Racing Thoughts: ADHD’s mental chatter feels scattered, while bipolar mania feels like a high-speed train of ideas.
• Irritability: Both conditions can make you short-tempered or easily frustrated.

Understanding these differences helps you see which condition (or both) might be causing problems and guides you toward the right type of care.

Bipolar Depression vs. ADHD: What’s the Difference?

Bipolar depression and ADHD can feel similar, especially regarding typical side effects like low energy or trouble focusing. But they’re distinct in important ways.

1. Bipolar Depression: This is an episode of intense sadness, hopelessness, or lethargy that can last for weeks. You might lose interest in activities you love, struggle to get out of bed, or feel overwhelmed by guilt. It’s part of the mood cycling in bipolar disorder.
2. ADHD: ADHD’s challenges with focus and motivation are ongoing, not episodic. You might want to complete tasks but feel scattered or distracted, like your brain is pulling you in ten directions at once.

If you’re feeling stuck, it’s worth talking to a professional to pinpoint whether it’s bipolar depression, ADHD, or both. Misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment so getting this right is key. Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, for example, you gain clarity on your behaviors.

Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters

Getting the right diagnosis is a game-changer. Misdiagnosing ADHD as bipolar disorder (or vice versa) can lead to treatments that don’t work or even make things worse. For example, stimulants used for ADHD can trigger mania in someone with undiagnosed bipolar disorder. A skilled clinician will take a detailed history, looking at your symptoms, family history, and life patterns to get it right.

Getting an accurate diagnosis means you can start the right treatment. A psychiatrist will look at your history, symptoms and sometimes family patterns. They might ask you to track your moods or behaviors to spot cycles. This process is not quick, but it is worth it to find answers.

Treatment Options for ADHD and Bipolar Disorder

Managing ADHD and bipolar disorder together requires a careful, integrated approach. Here’s what you can expect from treatment, designed to help you thrive.

Medication: Finding the Right Balance

Medications can be a huge part of treatment but they need to be carefully chosen, monitored, and changed as needed to address both conditions without worsening either.

• For Bipolar Disorder: Mood stabilizers like lithium or lamotrigine help deal with mood swings. Antipsychotics may be used for severe mania or depression.
• For ADHD: Stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamines will improve focus, but they must be used cautiously to avoid triggering mania. Non-stimulant options like atomoxetine are sometimes safer for those with both conditions. Stimulants are also not appropriate for those struggling with substance abuse.
• Combination Therapy: A psychiatrist might combine medications, starting with mood stabilizers to control bipolar symptoms before adding ADHD treatments.

Always work with a psychiatrist who understands the interplay of ADHD and bipolar disorder. Regular check-ins ensure your meds are working without unwanted side effects.

Therapy for Building Skills and Change

Therapy is a powerful tool for managing both conditions. It gives you strategies to cope with symptoms and build a life you love. Options include.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you reframe negative thoughts, manage impulsivity and build coping skills for both ADHD and bipolar disorder.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotional regulation, which is especially helpful for bipolar mood swings and ADHD impulsivity.
• Psychoeducation: Learning about your conditions empowers you to recognize triggers and take control of your mental health.

Therapy is like a gym for your mind. It takes practice, but the results are worth it.

Lifestyle Changes: Supporting Your Mental Health

Small, intentional changes can make a big difference in managing ADHD and bipolar disorder. Try these.

• Create a Routine: ADHD thrives on structure. Use planners, apps or calendars to stay organized.
• Prioritize Sleep: Poor sleep can worsen both ADHD and bipolar symptoms. Aim for a consistent sleep schedule.
• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity boosts mood and focus. Even a daily walk can help.
• Eat Well: A balanced diet supports brain health. Omega-3s and whole foods can make a difference.
• Stress Management: Mindfulness or journaling can help you stay grounded.

The more tools you choose to pick on a daily basis, the better.

Support Systems: You’re Not Alone

Build a support network. Lean on loved ones, join support groups or connect with others who get what you’re going through. In Spokane Valley, local mental health groups can offer community and understanding. You deserve people in your corner who lift you up.

Finding Treatment in Spokane Valley and Beyond

If you’re in Spokane Valley, Washington, or nearby areas like Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls or Liberty Lake, quality care for ADHD and bipolar disorder is within reach. Look for providers who specialize in dual diagnoses and offer personalized treatment plans. Outpatient programs, therapy, and psychiatric care can help you manage both conditions effectively.

FAQs About ADHD and Bipolar Disorder

A Path Forward with Hope

Living with ADHD and bipolar disorder can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone, and you are not without options. With the right diagnosis, treatment, and support, you can manage symptoms and reclaim control of your life. Whether you’re in Spokane Valley or nearby, professional help is within reach.

Take that first step by reaching out to a mental health provider like We Level Up Washington today. You’ve got this, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Call today to speak with our team and learn more about our programs. We Level Up Washington: (509) 348-4077. Your next step starts here.