Key takeaways
- Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood changes that occur in episodes, whereas ADHD symptoms are ongoing and primarily affect focus and impulse control.
- While some symptoms, such as distractibility and hyperactivity, can occur in both bipolar disorder and ADHD, the underlying causes and symptom patterns differ. Bipolar disorder symptoms are episodic, whereas ADHD symptoms are consistent.
- It is possible for individuals, including children, to have both ADHD and bipolar disorder.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is more common than bipolar disorder. As the two conditions can coexist, misdiagnosis can occur.
In this article, we compare bipolar disorder and ADHD. Read on to learn about the symptoms of each and how they can overlap. We also explain treatments and when to see a doctor.
Bipolar disorder is a long-term mental health condition that can cause unusual shifts between high and low moods.
Symptoms
In contrast, ADHD is a condition that affects a person’s attention, activity, and impulse control. It
Bipolar disorder and ADHD can share some similar symptoms, especially in relation to manic episodes.
If a person has bipolar disorder, manic episodes
- move about a lot
- talk often, quickly, or loudly
- interrupt people
- become distracted easily
- act impulsively
Manic episodes are not a symptom of ADHD, but a person with ADHD may experience symptoms that are similar to those of a hypomanic episode.
Although there may be some symptom similarities, the underlying causes of bipolar disorder and ADHD are different.
Manic episode symptoms happen because of a mood state, while ADHD symptoms tend to be
Sometimes, people think that ADHD is synonymous with “hyperactive” or “impulsive” behaviors, and while this may be the case for some people, this is not universally true. Some children and adults with ADHD have symptoms of inattention.
These symptoms include:
- inattention to detail
- trouble focusing
- daydreaming
- not listening when people speak to them
- avoiding mental exertion
- losing belongings frequently
- forgetting to complete tasks
The symptoms of inattentive ADHD are not typical of bipolar disorder.
If a person has bipolar disorder and experiences a depressive episode, it may make them feel sad, hopeless, and low in energy. They may also withdraw socially.
Depressive episodes are not a symptom of ADHD, but some people with ADHD may also experience depression.
Bipolar disorder
A child with ADHD may behave in similar ways to a child with bipolar disorder who is having a hypomanic episode. However, there are ways to tell the conditions apart, such as:
- symptoms of bipolar disorder tend to be more severe than those of ADHD
- ADHD behavior is ongoing, while symptoms of bipolar disorder occur during distinct episodes
- a child with bipolar disorder may experience both high and low moods (depending on the type of bipolar disorder)
During a manic episode, a child or teen with bipolar disorder may be:
- acting in an unusually silly way for their age
- short-tempered
- talking quickly about many topics
- sleeping less but not feeling tired
- having trouble sleeping
- taking more risks
During a depressive episode, a child or teen with bipolar disorder may be:
If the caregiver of a child with ADHD notices signs of bipolar disorder, they should speak with a doctor as soon as possible.
A 2022 paper noted that while a person can have both bipolar disorder and ADHD, the overlap of symptoms between the two conditions means that diagnosing comorbid ADHD and bipolar disorder is challenging. The authors also noted that research into comorbid ADHD and bipolar disorder is limited, and further studies are necessary.
The authors of a 2025 study hypothesize that people with ADHD and bipolar disorder may have genetic differences that change the way their bodies regulate or react to dopamine. This may explain why bipolar disorder can occur in people with ADHD. However, further research is needed.
Many different treatments are available for ADHD and bipolar disorder.
When doctors diagnose ADHD and bipolar disorder together, they may consider bipolar disorder to be the primary condition and treat this first.
The reason for this is that bipolar disorder may cause more severe complications than ADHD. There is also a risk that medications for ADHD could make symptoms of bipolar disorder worse.
This approach also allows the doctor to see which attention symptoms persist after a person commences treatment for bipolar disorder and to make better decisions about how to treat those ADHD symptoms.
Before treating ADHD, a person with both conditions may benefit from taking mood stabilizers. They can discuss this option with a doctor.
If a person recognizes the signs of ADHD or bipolar disorder in themselves or a child, they should speak with a doctor.
Receiving a proper diagnosis and getting the right treatment can help manage ADHD, bipolar disorder, or both conditions.
If a person or a child has already received a diagnosis of one of these conditions, this does not mean that they do not also have the other. A person can have both bipolar disorder and ADHD.
It is always a good idea to discuss any changes in symptoms with a doctor to help ensure that a person has the right diagnosis and treatment.
ADHD and bipolar disorder can occur together, and they share some similar symptoms.
However, further research into comorbid ADHD and bipolar disorder and their causes is needed.
Anyone who notices the signs of ADHD or bipolar disorder in themselves or a child should speak with a healthcare professional.