4. ADHD
Common symptoms include the following:
- Difficulty focusing, staying organized, and completing tasks
- Making seemingly careless mistakes
- Forgetfulness
- Easily distracted
- Inability to finish tasks
- Seeming distracted or in a daydream when engaged in conversation
- Constant movement or significant feelings of restlessness
- Excessive talking or interrupting others
- Fidgeting or feeling unable to sit still
- Impatience
- Making impulsive decisions without considering the consequences first
As many as 17 percent of adults with bipolar disorder will also be diagnosed with ADHD during their lifetime, according to research. Having ADHD along with bipolar disorder is connected to lower levels of functioning and worse bipolar illness, specifically to a higher number of rapid cycling episodes.
Although bipolar disorder primarily affects mood and ADHD primarily affects attention and behavior, the conditions share some symptoms, such as irritability and impulsivity, making differentiating between the two challenging. The high energy levels, disorganized thought process, and lack of planning skills in some people with untreated ADHD can look a lot like mania, for example.
With ADHD, depression is also common — studies have estimated that anywhere from 18.6 to 53.3 percent of people with the condition will experience it, which can complicate diagnosis.
Having both bipolar disorder and ADHD can worsen aspects of each condition, according to research, which is why it’s critical for people with these two conditions to be properly treated for both.
If you have symptoms that aren’t explained by your bipolar disorder diagnosis, talk to your psychiatrist about other potential causes. Accurate diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring conditions is crucial; treating them appropriately can improve your quality of life.
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