differences between adhd and bipolar disorder in children
overview
bipolar disorder in children and teens and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd) are similar. it is possible for a child to have both conditions. but certain symptoms help distinguish one from the other:
symptoms of bipolar disorder | symptoms of adhd |
|---|---|
the child's mood and behaviour problems get distinctly worse or more intense for days at a time, but then return to the child's usual behaviour. | the child has difficult behaviours (such as impulsivity and hyperactivity) that are fairly consistent. |
mood swings and strange behaviours occur unpredictably. the child may be withdrawn or irritable one moment and extremely happy or giddy the next. | the child's moods can change quickly but are not extreme. these changes in mood are usually in response to something. |
the child's response to external events is prolonged and out of proportion to the event. | the child's reaction to external events is not extreme and is resolved in a normal amount of time. |
the child shows signs of hypersexuality (talking or thinking about sex, having sex, or using sexual language). | the child can show some signs of sexually inappropriate behaviour. but the behaviour is usually not severe or the child can be distracted from this behaviour. |
sleep disturbances and inability to sleep occur periodically. the child often has plenty of energy despite not getting much sleep. | sleep disturbances and inability to sleep are long-term (chronic). the child is usually tired when he or she does not get enough sleep. |
credits
current as of: june 24, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
current as of: june 24, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
