However, many medical conditions in children can mirror ADHD symptoms, which makes correct diagnosis difficult. Rather than jump to conclusions, it’s important to consider alternative explanations to ensure accurate treatment.

Children are readily diagnosed with ADHD due to sleeping troubles, careless mistakes, fidgeting, or forgetfulness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cite ADHD as the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in children under 18.

The most difficult differential diagnosis to make is between ADHD and bipolar mood disorder. These two conditions are often hard to distinguish because they share several symptoms, including:

mood instability

outbursts

restlessness

talkativeness

impatience

ADHD is characterized primarily by inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, or physical restlessness. Bipolar disorder causes exaggerated shifts in mood, energy, thinking, and behavior, from manic highs to extreme, depressive lows. While bipolar disorder is primarily a mood disorder, ADHD affects attention and behavior.

Differences

There are many distinct differences between ADHD and bipolar disorder, but they are subtle and may go unnoticed. ADHD is a lifelong condition, generally beginning before age 12, while bipolar disorder tends to develop later, after age 18 (although some cases may be diagnosed earlier).

ADHD is chronic, while bipolar disorder is usually episodic, and can remain hidden for periods between episodes of mania or depression. Children with ADHD may experience difficulty with sensory overstimulation, like transitions from one activity to the next, while children with bipolar disorder typically respond to disciplinary actions and conflict with authority figures. Depression, irritability, and memory loss are common after a symptomatic period of their bipolar disorder, while children with ADHD do not generally experience similar symptoms.

Moods

The moods of someone with ADHD approach suddenly and can dissipate quickly, often within 20 to 30 minutes. But the mood shifts of bipolar disorder last longer. A major depressive episode must last for two weeks to meet the diagnostic criteria, while a manic episode must last at least one week with the symptoms present for most of the day nearly every day (the duration may be less if symptoms become so severe that hospitalization becomes necessary). Hypomanic symptoms only need to last four days. Children with bipolar disorder appear to display ADHD symptoms during their manic phases, such as restlessness, trouble sleeping, and hyperactivity.

During their depressed phases, symptoms such as lack of focus, lethargy, and inattention can also mirror those of ADHD. However, children with bipolar disorder may experience difficulty falling asleep or may sleep too much. Children with ADHD tend to wake up quickly and become alert immediately. They may have trouble falling asleep, but can usually manage to sleep through the night without interruption.

Behavior

The misbehavior of children with ADHD and children with bipolar disorder is usually accidental. Ignoring authority figures, running into things, and making messes is often the result of inattentiveness, but may also be a result of a manic episode.

Children with bipolar disorder may engage in dangerous behavior. They may demonstrate grandiose thinking, taking up projects that they clearly cannot complete at their age and developmental level.

From our community

Only a mental health professional can accurately differentiate between ADHD and bipolar disorder. If your child is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, primary treatment includes psycho-stimulant and antidepressant medications, individual or group therapy, and tailored education and support. Medications may need to be combined or frequently changed to continue to produce beneficial results.