If you or someone you love has ever struggled with racing thoughts, impulsive behavior, or erratic energy levels, you may have asked yourself: Is this ADHD or something more? The confusion between mania vs ADHD is incredibly common—and deeply understandable. Both can involve restlessness, distractibility, and high activity levels. But distinguishing between the two is crucial for getting the right treatment.
At Neurish Wellness, we specialize in the nuanced diagnosis and care of complex mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Our experienced team of mental health professionals works with each person and their family members to understand what’s really happening beneath the surface—because an accurate diagnosis is the foundation of real healing.
Why It’s So Easy to Confuse ADHD and Mania
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically begins in childhood, though it’s increasingly recognized in adults. Bipolar disorder, on the other hand, is a mental illness involving distinct shifts in mood, from manic episodes to depressive episodes.
Some of the ADHD symptoms that overlap with mania include:
- Being easily distracted
- Impulsive behavior or risky behaviors
- Fast talking or racing thoughts
- Difficulty completing tasks or difficulty waiting
- Poor sleep hygiene
- Restlessness or hyperactivity
But the presence of these certain symptoms doesn’t mean the diagnosis is clear-cut. That’s why at Neurish, we conduct comprehensive assessments that include medical and family history, behavioral patterns, and the nature of emotional responses over time.
What Separates Mania from ADHD?
The key difference lies in the cyclical nature of bipolar disorder. While ADHD is more consistent in its presentation, manic episodes appear in cycles—often followed by depressive episodes or a return to baseline.
Mania is marked by:
-
Grandiosity or inflated self-esteem
-
Little or no need for sleep
-
Pressured speech or nonstop talking
-
Engagement in risky behaviors, like overspending or reckless driving
-
Sometimes, psychotic symptoms like hallucinations or delusions
-
Impaired judgment, especially in severe or hypomanic episodes
According to the American Psychiatric Association and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, diagnosing bipolar I disorder or bipolar II disorder requires observing both the high (manic or hypomanic episodes) and the low (depression), often over time.
Why Getting the Right Diagnosis Matters
Misdiagnosing bipolar disorder as ADHD can be dangerous. Stimulant medication, often used in ADHD treatment, can worsen manic symptoms in people with undiagnosed bipolar disorder. That’s why it’s essential to see a trained healthcare provider who can assess for mood cycling, not just distractibility.
Conversely, if someone with ADHD is misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder, they may be prescribed mood stabilizers unnecessarily, delaying helpful behavioral interventions or talk therapy approaches that would truly help.
At Neurish Wellness, we treat each case with the depth it deserves. Our assessments may include psychiatric evaluation, psychological testing, and reviewing your medical history or prior diagnoses from other providers. We also know that conditions like conduct disorder, substance abuse, drug abuse, or even rare medical conditions (like brain tumors) can mimic both mania and ADHD—which is why our process is so thorough.
Who’s Most Affected by the Confusion?
-
Younger children may present with hyperactivity and mood swings that could be mistaken for either condition.
-
Adolescents often fall into a gray zone, where overlapping signs of adolescent psychology, emotional development, and environmental stress can obscure clarity.
-
Adults with bipolar disorder may not receive a diagnosis until years after their first manic episodes, sometimes after being treated unsuccessfully for ADHD.
If you’ve been told your symptoms are “just ADHD” but you’ve experienced prolonged mood elevation, agitation, or suicidal ideation, it’s time to take a closer look. And if your child has been labeled with ADHD but doesn’t seem to respond to ADHD treatment, talk to us.
How Neurish Wellness Can Help
Our world-class mental health program combines diagnostic precision with compassionate, ethical care. We offer:
-
Evaluation for bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other mental disorders
-
Support for families navigating a new diagnosis
-
Therapy, medication management, and psychoeducation tailored to each person
-
Ongoing care for postpartum issues like postpartum psychosis
-
Coordination with outside providers, school counselors, and mental health services administration programs
We are deeply committed to helping clients find the right diagnosis—not just the convenient one. Whether it’s bipolar I disorder, bipolar II, ADHD, or something else, we’ll work with you to design a treatment plan that’s evidence-based and rooted in real empathy.
Contact Neurish Wellness Today
If you or a loved one is unsure whether they’re experiencing manic episodes or ADHD symptoms, we can help. Reach out to Neurish Wellness for a confidential, in-depth evaluation with a licensed mental health professional who understands the complexity of mental health diagnosis and care.
Healing starts with clarity. Let us help you find it.
FAQs About Bipolar Disorder and ADHD
How do you treat bipolar disorder?
To treat bipolar disorder, most individuals benefit from a combination of mood stabilizers, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. In some cases, antipsychotic medications may also be used, especially during manic episodes. At Neurish Wellness, we provide personalized treatment plans that focus on long-term stability and emotional regulation.
How is an ADHD diagnosis made?
An ADHD diagnosis is typically based on clinical interviews, symptom checklists, and behavioral evaluations. A qualified mental health professional will assess for patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that significantly impact daily functioning. At Neurish, we look at your full history—not just isolated behaviors.
Can you diagnose ADHD with a single test?
No, there is no single test that can diagnose ADHD. While certain neuropsychological tools and blood tests may rule out other conditions, diagnosis is based on a comprehensive evaluation of behavior, medical history, and functioning across settings like school, work, and home.
How are children diagnosed with bipolar disorder or ADHD?
Children diagnosed with either condition require careful assessment over time, as symptoms can overlap and change with development. Our team uses child-focused diagnostic tools and works closely with families to distinguish between ADHD, bipolar disorder, and other behavioral conditions.
Is irritable mood a sign of bipolar disorder or ADHD?
An irritable mood can be seen in both conditions, but in bipolar disorder, it’s often more intense and occurs alongside other signs of mood disturbance, like grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, or depressive episodes. For ADHD, irritability is usually more reactive and short-lived.
What is mood disturbance, and how does it relate to diagnosis?
Mood disturbance refers to significant shifts in emotional state that interfere with functioning. In bipolar disorder, these shifts are more episodic and extreme, while in ADHD, emotional dysregulation may be more consistent. Accurate diagnosis depends on understanding the duration, intensity, and context of symptoms.
What is clinical child psychology, and how does it help?
Clinical child psychologists specialize in diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Their expertise is especially helpful when symptoms of ADHD and bipolar disorder overlap, as they use developmentally appropriate methods to assess and improve symptoms.
Is there a severe form and less severe form of bipolar disorder?
Yes. Bipolar I disorder is considered the more severe form, involving full manic episodes that may include psychotic symptoms. Bipolar II is a less severe form, marked by hypomanic episodes and depression, without full-blown mania. Both require careful treatment and monitoring.
What does the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry say about bipolar and ADHD?
The Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry journal frequently publishes studies exploring the overlap between ADHD, bipolar disorder, and childhood development. Research suggests that early identification and tailored intervention improve long-term outcomes and reduce misdiagnosis.
Are students with bipolar disorder or ADHD protected under the Disabilities Act?
Yes. Under the Disabilities Act, students with mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or ADHD may be eligible for academic accommodations. These can include extended testing time, behavioral support, or modified classroom expectations to help them succeed.
Cole Dyar is the Executive Director & co-founder of Neurish Wellness. He has been working in the behavioral health field in operational, clinical, organizational, and managerial capacities for thirteen years. He holds a degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz in sociology and is a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAADC) as recognized by CCAPP. Cole holds a Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology including: Organizational Leadership and Design, a Post-Masters in General Marriage and Family Therapy, and is currently a doctoral candidate in MFT with an emphasis in Systemic Administration & Entrepreneurship.