Bipolar Disorder/ADHD which is it?

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I hope this is the correct forum for this question, I apologize if its not. This may seem like a stupid question :uhoh3:, but I did not know of anywhere else to go for clarification.

I was wondering if anyone could tell me a bit about Bilopar disorder. What are the signs of this desease? Is bipolar disorder similar to personality disorder? Can a person suffer from ADHD and Bipolar Disorder.

Also, Can anyone refer me to a therapist in the NYC area that helps with the diagnosis and treatment of Bipolar and ADHD.

Thanks a bunch

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You're correct that there is some overlap in the signs and symptoms of ADHD and bipolar disorder. Here's a good WebMD article on that very topic:

http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/adhd-versus-bipolar-disorder

The distinctions aren't easy to make at times, which is why we're limited in the feedback we can give you here. Face-to-face evaluations are a must.

If you're a student, the best source for a local counseling referral may come from an advisor. Some large schools even have campus counseling centers that provide free or reduced-fee services to students.

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I agree -- your profile says that you are a nursing student; I would start with your school's student health services and ask them.

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Specializes in Psychiatry (PMHNP), Family (FNP).

It is a difficult differential diagnosis (bipolar vs. ADHD). Lots of symptom overlap. You can take a "Mood disorder questionaire" or MDQ available on line which has approx. 70 % accuracy in dx of bipolar "spectrum" disorders. No - personality disorders are totally different, "Axis II" disorders.

I find this is one of the harder calls to make, deciding bipolar vs. ADHD/ADD. Sometimes you think you have it right at first, then you course correct later. Also keep in mind that about 60% of the time, persons w. Bipolar will have a first presentation of depression, so it is quite commonly misdiagnosed as Maj. depression or other type of depression. Good question, and good luck! :specs:

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It is a difficult differential diagnosis (bipolar vs. ADHD). Lots of symptom overlap. You can take a "Mood disorder questionaire" or MDQ available on line which has approx. 70 % accuracy in dx of bipolar "spectrum" disorders. No - personality disorders are totally different, "Axis II" disorders.

I find this is one of the harder calls to make, deciding bipolar vs. ADHD/ADD. Sometimes you think you have it right at first, then you course correct later. Also keep in mind that about 60% of the time, persons w. Bipolar will have a first presentation of depression, so it is quite commonly misdiagnosed as Maj. depression or other type of depression. Good question, and good luck! :specs:

Thanks for the response. You mention taking a questionaire, would that be provided by a medical personel or can I take one online?

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