AD/HD or Bipolar, which could it be? | ADHD Information

So I was on here last night and talking to someone about the differences between AD/HD or bipolar. My father and sister both have, to what degree, I don't remember. I was told that it's almost certain that I'm bipolar becuase they are, hmmm. My sister also said the same thing.

Well, I don't have any days of feeling really, really good and turn around and hit low bottom, unless I drink . And don't even experience it in a small degree. I've told the Dr. my father was diagnosed with bipolar and he didn't say anything about it. He just said I had low grade depression.

On the same note, another Dr. diagnosed me with AD/HD because I said I experienced a lot of symptoms from it. So she gave me Adderall and has helped. So anyone else know anything more about all this?

it seems many doc's can't tell the difference btwn. the two.

either that, or they are just trained to dx depression, and the adhd stuff is automatically mania.

if adderall helps, then adhd is probably the correct dx.

my last doc took my sleeping problems, along with serious depression to be bipolar.

i have looked into bipolar, and like you, i see no manic episodes to point to. the h part of adhd causes sleep problems, high activity levels (when depression is subsiding), and some impulsivity with a little 'i'.

i've never been overly promiscuous(not that i haven't wished  i was  ), never gone on any types of binges, never been out of control like they describe in a manic episode.

not only that, but almost all of the depression can be ascribed to the difficulties in all areas of my life. relationships, school, work, have all been affected negatively by my inability to focus, my mercurial moods, my inability to finish things, my quick-to-onset boredom, etc... for my entire life.

being sharp and smart, being quick thinking, being quick to learn and understand many things beyond my peers, while failing in every area of my life, is a crushing way to live.

i have frequently posted here of how depression has ravaged my life, and shredded my self-esteem.

it's a tricky demarcation between these types of conditions, and it just seems most doc's don't know enough, aren't educated enough in the nuances that distinguish one condition from another.

plus there's a wide field of ways in which ppl. experience, and describe what they are dealing with. 

 

     I have read and heard that many children who  are diagnosed with ADHD are also thought to be bipolar.  I don't know enough about bipolar to say specifically, but I think maybe the reason they are thought to be bipolar is because childrens moods can change quickly anyway.  "Normal" children can be throwing a hissy fit one minute and the next minute be fine.  I would think it would be easier to diagnose an adolescent with bipolor, or and adult.  I know that I was asked if I suffered from bipolar symptoms, and I had to say no.  I don't experience those moments they call "highs"  Though over the years I have been diagnosed with Adolescent Adjustment Disorder (didn't know it existed but was told by my mother that's what they called it)  Seasonal Affective Depression (I think that's what it's called)  And just plain old depression.  I also have hypo thyroidism wich can cause many symptoms that mirror depression and ADD.  The key is to try the meds I guess and see if it helps.  If it helps that pretty much clears up what's going on.  I also think that there are many things that people with ADD suffer from  because of the ADD. Who wouldn't be depressed or suffer from anxiety if they had to deal with the many things that happen when you have ADD. 

     I have to agree with seeker, there are many docs that just aren't current on the topic.  The best thing to do is to educate yourself and then educate your doctor, or find one that knows whats up.  There is power in knowledge and you can't always take for granted that the doctors know what they are talking about.  I by no means support self diagnoses and self medication, but there is nothing wrong at all with education yourself and helping your doctor diagnose your symptoms.

It is a very deep problem and everyone is so different. How can anyone really find out what they need?

But I do think I have imattentive ADD: easily distracted, trouble listening, daydreams alot, sluggish and seems lazy, spacey and more,. I don't really feel hyperactivity but still move around a lot. I've always felt depressed too. But antidressants help to a point but there are underlying things I can't seem to control.then dye it & shave it [QUOTE=Countrygirl]
[QUOTE=rayray812]then dye it & shave it[/QUOTE]

I'm not even gonna ask
[/QUOTE]


right.... I spoke with my Dr. about it and she said that she really didn't see anything pointing to that. On top of that, right now I'm on a trial peroid with the Adderall to see if I really have AD/HD. So we're just seein where it all ends up. [QUOTE=kibbles002]

I'm kinda scared 'cause I understood that

ray ray was referring to the above post last line.... ewwwwwwwwwwwww ray ray!!!

sherry

[/QUOTE]

So glad that went over my head!  I had to ask

I'm kinda scared 'cause I understood that

ray ray was referring to the above post last line.... ewwwwwwwwwwwww ray ray!!!

sherry

From everything I've read and heard the only way to tell sometimes if it's bipolar or ADHD is either bipolar is severe (with mania) or the psychiatrist watches the patient and checks out the history in detail.  It takes a professional with experience to tell the two apart if it's mild bipolar - and even then they can get it wrong.

My ex has bipolar - it was severe with mania so there was no mistaking it for ADHD.  That's the easy kind - you get those roller-coaster severes like marathon happy days with no sleep and cleaning frenzies then down to weeks of depression, thoughts of suicide and self-destructive tendencies.  So sad but at least it was easy for even a layman to see that.  Most bipolar is in the middle so I can't tell the two apart as they almost have identical symptoms.

The best from what I see (and in books like driven to distraction, etc.) is that, especially in cases of children, that the professional has to visit the home, the school and get a FULL history from all involved.  I'd be suspicious of a pro that just chats for a couple minutes then pops out an Rx for you.  Keep walking until you get a good one.

 

It's also true that many dx'd as bipolar are ADHD.  They are kissing cousins.  My doc went for the bipolar label with me first - just didn't pan out with those manic episodes.  Darn!  If I have to get so depressed, shouldn't I be able to experience a little hypomania?  Don't mean to make light, really.  B- I have bipolar in my family as well and after many, many months with doc, I was still dx'd with ADHD.   There appears to be a fine line there with lots of room for errors. Hyperactivity and anxiety both can appear to be manic at times.   Keep researching for yourself, you will see yourself in something you find.  Don't give up, life is a journey with lots of unexpected twists and turns.  Might as well enjoy it, what else do we have to do? [QUOTE=rayray812]then dye it & shave it[/QUOTE]

I'm not even gonna ask
This is true some kids told adhd later are told it's bp. I have met someone who confurmed for me. A psychiatist is who can tell you for sure. I am trying to avoid this kind a Dr. cause most are drug pushers.