Abstract
ObjectiveOverlapping symptoms can make the diagnostic differentiation of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder (BD) challenging in adults using current clinical assessments. This study sought to determine if current clinical measures delineate ADHD from BD in adults, comparing relative levels of ADHD, BD and emotional lability (EL) symptoms. MethodsSixty adult women with ADHD, BD or controls were compared on self-report and interview measures for ADHD symptoms, mania, depression, EL, and impairment. ResultsADHD interview measures and self-ratings of ADHD symptoms best discriminated between ADHD and BD. Self-report measures of EL and depression showed non-specific enhancement in both clinical groups. BD-specific items may distinguish BD from ADHD if a retrospective time-frame is adopted. ConclusionsUsing measures which capture specific symptoms of ADHD and chronicity/episodicity of symptoms facilitates the delineation of ADHD from BD in adult women.
Highlights
The diagnostic differentiation of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from bipolar disorder (BD) is important for the correct treatment and management of both conditions (Asherson et al, 2014; Atmaca et al, 2009; Galanter et al, 2005; Mosholder et al, 2009)
These findings show a significant level of residual symptoms and impairments in BD patients during non-manic periods, which was similar to the ADHD patients for depression and impairment, but did not reach the levels of ADHD, mania and emotional lability symptoms seen in the ADHD group
We found greater specificity for the ADHD symptoms elicited at interview to correctly identify the ADHD group, than for the traditional BD symptoms to correctly separate BD from ADHD
Summary
The diagnostic differentiation of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from bipolar disorder (BD) is important for the correct treatment and management of both conditions (Asherson et al, 2014; Atmaca et al, 2009; Galanter et al, 2005; Mosholder et al, 2009). Similarities in symptoms such as restlessness, increased production of speech and distractibility in both conditions and evidence of persistent impulsive behaviours in euthymic BD (Najt et al, 2007; Peluso et al, 2007) can make differentiation of the two conditions challenging (Galanter and Leibenluft, 2008; Kent and Craddock, 2003). Meta-analysis examining comorbidity of ADHD and BD in adults identified rates ranging from 5% to 47% (Wingo and Ghaemi, 2007), and studies of familial co-variation indicate that the disorders co-occur at a higher rate than in the general population, suggesting a potential familial relationship between them (Larsson et al, 2013; Skirrow et al, 2012).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
