When it comes to mental health, misdiagnosis is more common than you think.
And one of the most confusing overlaps? ADHD and bipolar disorder.
These two conditions can look surprisingly similar on the surface
but they’re actually very different underneath
So how often does one get mistaken for the other?
And why does it happen?
Let’s break it down in plain language
The Overlap That Causes Confusion
Both ADHD and bipolar disorder can involve:
• Mood changes
• Irritability
• Impulsiveness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disturbances
• Trouble with emotional regulation
So if someone walks into a clinic saying
“I feel all over the place, I can’t focus, and sometimes I’m really up or really down”
it’s not always clear what’s going on
especially without a full clinical history
Why ADHD Sometimes Gets Misread as Bipolar Disorder
1. Emotional intensity
People with ADHD often feel emotions strongly and suddenly
Frustration can spike in seconds
Excitement can be intense
And anger can come out of nowhere
That emotional reactivity can look like mood swings
but ADHD moods usually change quickly and are triggered by something in the moment
Bipolar mood episodes last much longer and often aren’t connected to external events
2. Impulsivity and energy bursts
ADHD can come with high energy, restlessness, or impulsive behavior
which might be mistaken for mania or hypomania
especially in younger people
But manic episodes are more extreme
They can involve risk-taking that’s dangerous
racing thoughts
and even psychosis in some cases
ADHD impulsivity tends to be more everyday
like blurting things out, interrupting, or struggling with impulse shopping
3. Focus issues
Both conditions can cause concentration problems
But in ADHD, the issue is chronic
It shows up in multiple settings — school, work, home
and it starts in childhood
In bipolar disorder, focus issues tend to be mood-dependent
They get worse during depressive or manic episodes
but may not be present all the time
So How Often Does This Misdiagnosis Happen?
Research suggests that ADHD is frequently misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder, especially in adolescents and young adults
In fact
one study found that up to 20% of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder were later re-diagnosed with ADHD instead
The reverse also happens
People with bipolar disorder are sometimes misdiagnosed with ADHD
especially when they’re not currently in a full mood episode
This matters because the treatments are very different
and getting it wrong can lead to the wrong medication and support
The Key Differences
Can Someone Have Both?
Yes
It’s actually possible to be diagnosed with both ADHD and bipolar disorder
This is called comorbidity
and it can make diagnosis even trickier
When both are present
a person might experience:
• Chronic attention problems (ADHD)
• Periodic mood swings or depressive episodes (bipolar)
• Emotional reactivity and impulsivity from both sides
This is why working with a mental health provider who understands neurodivergence and mood disorders is so important
What to Do If You’re Unsure
If you’re seeing overlap in your own life
or wondering whether your diagnosis is accurate
consider these steps:
• Track your symptoms over time
• Look at when your symptoms show up
• Get a full evaluation that includes medical, psychological, and lifestyle history
• Work with professionals who specialize in ADHD, bipolar disorder, or both
Bottom Line
ADHD and bipolar disorder can look alike at first glance
but they function very differently
Misdiagnosis can happen
but the more we understand how each condition shows up
the easier it is to get the right help
If you’re unsure where you fit
you’re not alone
Getting clarity is a powerful first step
and it’s absolutely worth it
