ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) and Childhood Bipolar Disorder have very similar symptoms. Because of this fact, it is very hard to know if you have the right diagnosis. This can be very hard for struggling parents that are faced with children that just seem very defiant and unorganized. It is sometimes a surprise to see just how similar these two disorders really appear in small children.
Happy/Hyperactive behavior
Children with both ADHD and Bipolar will at some point at happy. Children with Bipolar will tend to act more ‘goofy’ then those with ADHD. They will act as if the best things in the world just happen to them, even if it is the smallest thing at all. However, ADHD children will also have a good mood episode. They are hyperactivity and have problems seating down and staying focused. The happy moods of both of these disorders are very hard to distinguish between. Both a hyperactive and a manic child will have difficulty waiting their turn or controlling their elated attitude.
Both of these children have problems with sleeping. During a maniac mood swing, a bipolar child will not be able to sleep. They may find themselves up late in the night watching TV, playing video games, or even running about. A hyperactive child will do the same. Not being able to control their activity means they will also have problems resting at during the nighttime. The presence of sleeping difficulties does not help in trying to determine if the child has one or the other disorders.
Impulsive behavior
One of the defining traits that are required for a diagnosis for ADHD is impulsive behavior. Impulsive behavior is also a well-known sign of any bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder in children often means cycling between mania and lows faster then adults, which causes this impulsive behavior to happen more frequently. According to the criteria of the DSM IV, in order for a child to be considered ADHD they must present with some impulsive behavior for at least six months. This behavior must also have an impact in two social settings. However, using this as criteria for ADHD runs alongside known signs of bipolar disorder.
Both ADHD and Childhood Bipolar have symptoms of aggressive behavior. If your child is going through a low in a bipolar cycle things may set them off into a tantrum that can last for a very long time. ADHD children can get very upset when they are forced to focus on something that does not keep their interest. If it is a task that requires mental thinking, they turn very aggressive. It is not uncommon for both of these children to hit, bite, and throw things. A very common concern for any of these children is their own safety and the safety of others around them.
Effectively treating a mental illness in a child starts with the right diagnosis. It can be very upsetting as a parent if your doctor seems to not know for sure what is going on inside your child’s mind. However, if you understand that similar symptoms between ADHD and Childhood Bipolar Disorder you may have more patience for the doctor as you both work together to understand your child better.
Sources:
http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness&template;=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID;=102859
http://bipolar.about.com/cs/kids_diag/a/red_flags4.htm
http://www.adhdnews.com/adhd-symptoms.htm
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