Differences between ADHD and bipolar disorder in children and teens
Bipolar disorder
in children and teens and
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) share
some similar characteristics. It is possible for a child to have both
conditions, but certain characteristics help distinguish one from the
other:
Comparing symptoms of bipolar disorder and ADHD
| Symptoms of bipolar
disorder |
Symptoms of ADHD |
| The child throws violent, destructive
temper tantrums that can last for hours. The child hits, kicks, destroys
property, and may threaten to harm someone else. |
The child throws temper tantrums that
usually last for only minutes, and he or she does not usually destroy
property. |
| The child can act as though he or she is
losing touch with reality during a temper tantrum. |
The child does not lose touch with reality
during a temper tantrum. |
| Mood swings and strange behaviors occur
unpredictably. The child may be withdrawn or irritable one moment and extremely
happy or giddy the next. |
The child has difficult behaviors (such as
hyperactivity) that are fairly consistent. He or she can get very happy or
silly. |
| 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 behavior, but the behavior is usually not severe or the child can
be distracted from this behavior. |
| 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. |
Last Updated:
May 8, 2009
