Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is sometimes misdiagnosed as Bipolar Disorder

It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

ADHD is not diagnosed by a test but mainly by checking if the child satisfies the criteria that is required for diagnosis. Several questions regarding hyperactivity, attention span, social interaction, impulsive reaction and other things are answered by the parents and a score is given based on these answers. The score determines ADHD diagnosis and its severity. Behaviour therapy and medications can help in controlling the symptoms and help the child lead a normal life.

Always consult your doctor or health professional, and do not self diagnose.

Symptoms can include:

Appearing forgetful or losing things, unable to stick to tasks, unable to listen to or carry out instructions, constantly changing activity or task, difficulty organising tasks, unable to sit still, fidgeting, unable to concentrate on tasks, excessive physical movement, excessive talking, unable to wait their turn, acting without thinking, interrupting conversations, little or no sense of danger, short attention span, easily distracted, making careless mistakes

Symptoms are a guideline only and may apply to either the diagnosis or the reported misdiagnosis, or both. Consult your specialist for further information.

Further reference:

www.nhs.uk

Click here to go to the A-Z list of diagnoses and misdiagnoses.