Differences between ADHD and bipolar disorder in children and adolescents

Bipolar disorder in children and adolescents and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) share some similar characteristics. While it is possible for a child to have both conditions, certain characteristics help distinguish one from the other:¹

**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Mood swings and strange behaviors occur unpredictably—the child may be withdrawn or irritable one moment and extremely happy or giddy the next.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.

References

Citations

Weller EB, et al. (2002). Bipolar disorders in children and adolescents. In M Lewis, ed., Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 3rd ed., pp. 782–791. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Ralph Poore
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Denele Ivins
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
Last Updated	May 14, 2007