Bipolar vs. ADHD: How to Tell Them Apart
Why Bipolar and ADHD Get Confused So Often
If you’ve ever wondered whether your mood swings or energy changes are ADHD or bipolar disorder, you’re not alone. These two conditions are often mistaken for each other—by individuals, families, and even professionals—because they can both involve impulsivity, restlessness, and difficulty focusing.
But here’s the thing: while ADHD and bipolar share surface similarities, they’re actually very different conditions with distinct causes, patterns, and treatments. Understanding the difference can help you feel less confused, more empowered, and ready to get the right support.
Quick Overview: ADHD vs. Bipolar Disorder
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): A neurodevelopmental condition that starts in childhood and often continues into adulthood. Core symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulties with organization and focus.
Bipolar Disorder (Type I or II): A mood disorder characterized by episodes of depression and mania (Bipolar I) or hypomania (Bipolar II). These episodes are cyclical, lasting days to weeks, and involve shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels.
How ADHD and Bipolar Look Similar
Let’s start with the overlap, since that’s what makes things confusing. Both ADHD and bipolar disorder can involve:
Impulsivity: Saying yes to things quickly, overspending, interrupting, or making snap decisions.
Restlessness: Trouble sitting still, always feeling “on the go.”
Difficulty focusing: Losing track of conversations, zoning out, or bouncing between tasks.
Mood intensity: Big emotions that sometimes feel overwhelming.
When you look only at those traits, it’s easy to see why someone might think they have one when they actually have the other.
| Category | ADHD | Bipolar Disorder |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern of symptoms | Ongoing from childhood; fairly consistent over time | Episodic; cycles of mania/hypomania and depression |
| Mood changes | Emotions shift quickly (minutes or hours) | Mood episodes last days to weeks |
| Energy levels | Restless, “always on the go” | Dramatic shifts: high in mania/hypomania, very low in depression |
| Sleep | Trouble falling or staying asleep; still needs rest | Markedly reduced need for sleep during mania/hypomania |
| Behavior | Distractibility, impulsivity, disorganization | Risk-taking, overspending, or pressured speech during highs |
| Treatment focus | Therapy, counseling, ADHD medications (stimulants or non-stimulants) | Mood stabilizers, therapy, lifestyle support; antidepressants used carefully |
The Differences Between ADHD and Bipolar Disorder
1. Pattern of Symptoms
ADHD: Symptoms are fairly consistent over time. A child with ADHD doesn’t suddenly stop being distractible for weeks at a time—they’re usually always juggling focus issues.
Bipolar: Symptoms come in episodes. Someone may feel completely fine for weeks or months, then swing into depression or mania/hypomania.
2. Mood Shifts
ADHD: Emotions can be strong, but they change quickly—often within hours.
Bipolar: Mood episodes last much longer (days to weeks), and aren’t just “bad days” or “grumpy mornings.”
3. Energy Levels
ADHD: Energy tends to be restless but fairly steady—you might feel like you always have a motor running.
Bipolar: Energy changes dramatically depending on the episode. Mania = supercharged energy; depression = feeling drained.
4. Onset and Course
ADHD: Usually shows up in childhood, though sometimes diagnosed in adulthood when symptoms become harder to manage.
Bipolar: Often appears in late teens or early adulthood, though symptoms can be gradual.
5. Sleep
ADHD: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or keeping a regular bedtime, but the body still needs rest.
Bipolar: During manic episodes, someone may sleep very little and still feel wired—sometimes going days on just a few hours.
Can You Have Both ADHD and Bipolar?
Yes—and many people do. Research suggests a significant overlap between the two, and having both can make life feel especially overwhelming. If this resonates with you, therapy can be a crucial place to untangle what’s happening and learn strategies that address both conditions.
Why Getting the Right Diagnosis Matters
The treatment approaches for ADHD and bipolar disorder can be quite different. For example:
ADHD treatment often includes therapy, strategies/ADHD tools, lifestyle adjustments, and sometimes stimulant medication.
Bipolar treatment usually includes mood stabilizers, therapy, and lifestyle changes focused on sleep, stress, and routine.
If someone is misdiagnosed, they may receive the wrong kind of medication or miss out on strategies that actually fit their needs.
How Therapy Helps
At Sagebrush Counseling, therapy isn’t about labeling you—it’s about giving you clarity and tools. If you’re wondering whether your struggles are ADHD, bipolar, or both, we can:
Explore your personal history and patterns
Help you track moods, energy, and focus over time
Teach coping strategies for impulsivity, big emotions, or energy swings
Support your relationships, whether with a partner, family, or coworkers
Provide a safe, judgment-free space to talk it all through
FAQs
Can ADHD look like mania?
Sometimes. ADHD impulsivity and high energy can mimic manic behaviors, but mania is more extreme, often lasting days, and usually includes elevated mood or irritability plus risky behaviors.
Can ADHD medication trigger mania?
In some cases, stimulants can worsen manic symptoms if someone has undiagnosed bipolar disorder. That’s why accurate diagnosis is so important.
Do ADHD and bipolar affect relationships differently?
Yes. ADHD often impacts communication and organization, while bipolar can bring cycles of closeness and distance tied to mood episodes. Therapy can help couples navigate both.
Finding Counseling for Bipolar Disorder in Texas
If you’re living in Texas and wondering whether you’re experiencing ADHD, bipolar disorder, or both, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Therapy can give you the clarity and support you need to move forward.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. If you are concerned about your mental health, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (available 24/7 in the U.S.). If you are outside the U.S., please look up your local crisis hotline number right away.
In an emergency, always call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
