Can you tell the difference? ADHD vs Bipolar in Children

Coupled with ADHD, bipolar disorder has been growing as a very prevalent diagnosis in children as well, evidenced by the fact that the of diagnosis in children and teens has risen by 40% in the last decade. Bipolar symptoms are both manic and depressive. There are some conflicting schools of thought on whether bipolar disorder should be examined this closely in children. For many adolescents, mood swings and episodes of theatric angst are common, making it very difficult to really determine which teens are disordered and which are merely acting out. Another argument that could be presented is since many believe the symptoms differ slightly for bipolar disorder when diagnosing children, why not make a separate category within the illness? Perhaps an “adult bipolar disorder” and a “child bipolar disorder.”

Certain bipolar symptoms (mostly mania) in children tend to mirror those of ADHD. Both disorders are characterized by high levels of energy, disregard of risk and high distractibility. A hyperactive child and a manic child could both manifest these symptoms. However, there are subtle differences that differentiate the two.

First, ADHD is defined as a chronic behavioral disorder in children. Chronic means that the hyperactive symptoms are consistent on a day to day basis and follow the child through all environments. Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that, even more so in children, is episodic. There are high and low periods of disorder, but there is no constant state of “bipolar;” children often find themselves in a normal mood.

Bipolar mania is characterized by high energy, but usually this energy is driven towards a goal. A child in a manic state is often very productive, sometimes to the point of entropy, but still shows strong motivation. The hyperactive mind often contains too much entropy, loses focus and lacks the motivation for long term goals. The other difference that sticks out is the sense of grandiosity and inflation of self-worth a child with mania may feel. This “euphoria” sensation often drives them towards lofty, goal-oriented behavior. What is probably evident in many ADHD children, as opposed to manic children, is the psychological toll they take from bullies. Hyperactive children get picked on quite a bit for being idiosyncratic in the very conformist world of elementary and middle school (“fitting in” is everything). Because of this, it must be difficult for many ADHD children to develop confidence.

Those responsible for shaping  youth (teacher, parent, friend, relative) are always encouraged to be inquisitive about  children’s health. Those who recognize early signs are advised to take methodical action and seek counsel from a mental health professional. 

-Ryan Scanlon

Works Used:

http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar_disorder_or_adhdwww.facebook.com/AristaCounseling