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Bipolar Disorder Vs ADHD: Learn The Symptoms

Bipolar Disorder Vs ADHD: Learn The Symptoms

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Daily many people worldwide struggle with different mental health disorders. The list of these mental health disorders is long and never-ending. However, two of the most common ones are bipolar disorder and ADHD. Thus, without professional help, differentiation between the two sometimes becomes almost impossible though their symptoms may vary.

The mental health condition of the patient can significantly deteriorate if the signs of these mental health disorders are ignored for a long period. Therefore, it is always the best option to acquire professional mental health assistance promptly to prevent any negative effects of mental health disorders.

This content is beneficial for people looking to learn more about bipolar disorder vs ADHD, how to differentiate between ADHD and bipolar, and is ADHD the same as bipolar.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health disorder that revolves around two types of phases. One is the manic phase including elevated mood and the other one is depressive mood comprising extremely low mood. The involvement of rapid cycling of mood is what makes bipolar disorder difficult to manage and thus it interferes with the lives of the affected people.

Common Signs Of Bipolar

Usually, the signs of bipolar disorder depend on the phases. However, here are some of the common manic and depressive signs:

  • Intense euphoria
  • Hopefulness
  • Sudden mood changes
  • Restlessness
  • Racing thoughts
  • Elevated energy levels
  • Reckless behavior
  • Psychosis
  • Pervasive sadness
  • Low energy
  • Fatigue
  • Hopelessness
  • Lack of interest in activities
  • Irritability
  • Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)
  • Altered eating habits
  • Suicidal ideation
  • Uncontrollable crying
  • Decreased motivation

Understanding ADHD

ADHD is a mental health disorder that disrupts brain functions responsible for task planning, focus, and execution. Its symptoms vary according to subtype inattentive, hyperactive, or combined with diagnosis often being more challenging in girls and adults.

Common ADHD Symptoms

The common signs of ADHD include:

  • Inattention
  • Diminished focus
  • Impulse control issues
  • Poor time management
  • Hyperfocus
  • Hyperactivity
  • Intense emotions
  • Executive dysfunction

ADHD Vs Bipolar Symptoms

These conditions bear similarities in that they cause elevated energy, speech, distractibility, and intrusive thoughts.

The critical distinctions are that in bipolar disorder, mood is affected mostly, while, in ADHD, behavior and attention are the major concerns.

The primary difference is that bipolar disorder leads to episodes of mania, hypomania, and depression. In contrast, signs of ADHD are constant and chronic.

These mental health disorders can affect any person regardless of age. However, the only difference lies in the onset of these disorders. ADHD usually appears earlier in childhood. While bipolar disorder signs manifest in late adolescence or young adulthood.

Genetic factors significantly contribute to both conditions. Sharing family history with a healthcare provider is essential for accurate diagnosis.

Key Symptom Overlaps

  • Impulsivity
  • Hyperactivity
  • Inattention
  • Physical energy
  • Emotional and behavioral instability

The Prevalence Of ADHD Symptoms Vs Bipolar

Bipolar disorder and ADHD are both prevalent mental health conditions, but they differ significantly in their occurrence. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is more common, affecting about 5-10% of children and 2-5% of adults worldwide. It often manifests early in childhood, with symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In contrast, bipolar disorder, characterized by mood swings between depression and mania, is less common, affecting approximately 1-2% of the global population. Bipolar disorder typically appears in late adolescence or early adulthood, though it can also emerge in children. Both conditions can co-occur, complicating diagnosis and treatment, as their symptoms may overlap.

Treatment Strategies for Bipolar Disorder and ADHD

Attaining high-quality and effective mental health treatment to manage the signs of bipolar disorder and ADHD is essential. The following are some of the commonly used therapeutic approaches:

Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Mental health professionals typically prescribe psychiatric medications like mood stabilizers, including:

– Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

– Lithium (Eskalith)

– Lamotrigine (Lamictal)

– Valproate (Depakote)

– Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)

Sometimes, a combination of mood stabilizers and antidepressants is recommended.

ADHD Treatment

The key to successful and effective mental health treatment includes psychiatric medications and behavioral therapy. Some of the commonly prescribed medications include non-stimulants, stimulants, and antidepressants such as:

  • Amphetamine (Adderall)
  • Guanfacine (Intuniv)
  • Viloxazine (Qelbree)
  • Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse)
  • Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
  • Methylphenidate (Concerta)

Therapies For Comorbid Bipolar And ADHD

Bipolar disorder is best treated with the help of psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, social rhythm therapy, and interpersonal therapy. Similarly, for effectively treating ADHD the most commonly adapted treatments include behavioral therapy and psychoeducation after the manifestation of the disorder.

Therapy options for bipolar and ADHD are:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:

ADHD patients, in particular, can experience a lot of benefits from CBT and so can patients with bipolar disorder. CBT has its main function of identifying negative thoughts with positive ones with the assistance of different coping techniques. Additionally, it can help the affected people develop effective strategies for overcoming signs of both mental health disorders. The plus point of this therapy is that it helps the patients by enhancing mood stability and also improves overall functioning. 

Family Therapy:

Family therapy serves as a valuable therapy in supporting individuals with Bipolar and ADHD. Even a slight involvement of the family members can provide mental and physical support to the affected people. This will aid in promoting effective communication, problem-solving, and lastly healthy coping strategies.

Psychoeducation:

Psychoeducation can accordingly be defined as attempting to provide the patient, especially the family with all the needful information on mental health disorders. Based on the above points, the following will be beneficial to the patients as they will learn about the signs and the effect they have on functioning. Furthermore, psychoeducation seeks to help the affected individuals feel encouraged since they know the details of the mental health disorder that they are going through.

Interpersonal And social Rhythm Therapy:

ISPRT is a mental health treatment that is beneficial for people with bipolar and ADHD. The main goal of ISPRT is to stabilize the patients’ daily routines and manage interpersonal relations to help the patients manage their mood signs and increase their overall functioning.

Conclusion!

Bipolar disorder and ADHD are two severe mental health problems that have affected the lives of many people. Both these mental health disorders are characterized by particular signs and are sometimes mixed due to several signs such as elevated energy, speech, distractibility, and intrusive thoughts. The primary difference lies in the areas these mental health disorders affect. Bipolar disorder majorly affects your mood while ADHD severely affects a person’s behavior and attention. The best therapeutic approaches to manage the signs of both these mental health disorders include psychoeducation, psychiatric medications, and some behavioral therapies. So, if you or your loved ones are suffering from any of these mental health disorders then now is the perfect time for you to get in touch with Orange Coast Psychiatry and defeat the rigid signs of bipolar disorder and ADHD today!

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Shaheena Gazipura

PMHNP-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.

Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.

Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.

Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

 

Shaheena Gazipura

PMHNP-BC

Shaheena Gazipura is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 9 years of dedicated experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.

Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.

Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.

Outside of her professional life, Shaheena enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, staying active through exercise, and planning her next travel adventures.

Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

PMHNP-BC

Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry

Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.

With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.

Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.

Cristian Cuevas

PMHNP-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.

A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.

Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.

Cristian Cuevas is the Lead Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is supervised by Dr Barrios.

Griselda Hernandez

PMHNP-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

As a licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a robust background in psychiatric and substance abuse nursing, Griselda provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. The core of her practice focuses on promoting holistic wellness, fostering resilience, and empowering patients in their recovery journey. Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adolescents with various mental health disorders, Griselda strives to create a therapeutic environment where patients feel valued, respected, and supported.
“My approach is grounded in years of diverse experience, including work in psychiatric units and medical detox units for both adults and adolescents. This extensive background has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to manage complex psychiatric and substance abuse conditions effectively. I am committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in psychiatric care, integrating cutting-edge therapies and best practices into my treatment plans. Collaboration is key to my practice; I work closely with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community resources to provide coordinated and comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.”
Griselda holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from West Coast University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Additionally, she is fluent in the English and Spanish language, enhancing her ability to connect with a diverse patient population.
Griselda currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.