Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder in which a person cycles through episodes of mania and depression. ADD stands for attention deficit disorder and is now referred to as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Both these disorders are considered chronic mental health conditions that require treatment over the person's lifetime. The sooner treatment begins, the better the prognosis.
Basics
Bipolar disorder has been found to co-occur in some people with ADHD. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a child who has ADHD and bipolar disorder likely will have a difficult time controlling his behavior and concentrating even when he is not experiencing an episode of depression or mania.
Facts
NIMH cited a study reported in the journal of Biol Psychiatry in which it was found that people who displayed the symptoms of bipolar disorder early on in life were more likely to also have ADHD, when compared to people who had a later onset of bipolar disorder.
Consequences
Bipolar disorder and ADHD have some similar consequences. These similar consequences include poor academic performance, limited career success, poor peer relationships, financial problems and engagement in risky behaviors. The symptoms of mania and depression along with ADHD can make it hard for a person to maintain focus and complete tasks. Also, peer relationships might be limited because of the undesirable displays of behavior associated with either of these disorders.
People with bipolar disorder and ADHD might have trouble properly managing money and paying bills on time. Both disorders have been known to induce spending sprees. In addition, when a person is experiencing a manic episode, she might feel invincible and with ADHD, little thought is given to consequences, which can result in the engagement in high-risk activities.
Considerations
The symptoms of both disorders can be intensified if the person experiences even mild sleep deprivation. A person with either or both of these disorders should make sleep a priority and get eight hours of quality sleep per night.
Warning
Both bipolar disorder and ADHD leave a person at higher risk for developing substance abuse or addiction. NIMH reports that adults and adolescents with bipolar disorder are at high risk for developing substance abuse problems. The MayoClinic.com notes the ADHD has been linked to drug and alcohol abuse.
A person with either or both of these disorders might use drugs and alcohol to reduce and manage her symptoms. Also, a person with bipolar disorder or ADHD does not always think about the consequences of her actions. These conditions will heighten the chances that a person will increase her substance use to levels of abuse and addiction.
The negative effect of substance abuse is not limited to the consequences from the substance itself, but also the effect it has on bipolar disorder and ADHD. Alcohol and drug use will actually intensify the symptoms of both bipolar disorder and ADHD.
