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Hypomania or ADHD Diagnosis Affects Treatment

Receiving an accurate and complete diagnosis affects the development of a successful treatment plan. Hypomania, or the manic episodes of bipolar disorder, and ADHD have similarities which may result in an incorrect diagnosis by mental health professionals with limited experience and diagnostic skills. Hypomania, bipolar disorder, and ADHD both respond well to proper treatment.

Hypomania and ADHD Have Overlapping Symptoms

One reason that an inaccurate diagnosis is made is the overlapping or similar symptoms that are often observed between the manic episode of bipolar disorder, hypomania, and adult ADHD. Some of the more common similar symptoms which may delay the appropriate diagnosis include:

  • Impulsive behaviors or thoughts
  • Difficulty with focus, attention, and concentration
  • Being easily distracted
  • Hyperactivity or having increased physical energy where you are “on the go”
  • Frequently interrupting others or difficulty with “waiting your turn”
  • Talking a lot or too fast, often with disorganization in conversation
  • Frequently changing thoughts and topic direction during a conversation
  • Displaying emotional outbursts or episodes of lability

Hypomania and ADHD Diagnostic Statistics

Receiving a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation by a specialist experienced in bipolar disorder and ADHD often corrects a past misdiagnosis or finds that a dual diagnosis is most correct. Approximately 20% of those who have ADHD also have Bipolar Disorder, and up to 70% of those with Bipolar Disorder also have ADHD. Research data also indicates that 70% of those finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder were misdiagnosed at least once, delaying their treatment, often for years. Many receive a diagnosis of either bipolar or ADHD, missing the correct dual diagnosis which impacts the success of the prescribed treatment plan.

Differences of Hypomania and ADHD Symptoms

On a simple level, one of the biggest differences between the manic phase of Bipolar Disorder and ADHD is that Bipolar affects mood (mood swings from high to low), ADHD affects behavior and attention. Another big difference exhibited is that adults with bipolar disorder cycle through different episodes of depression, hypomania or mania. Adults with ADHD experience chronic symptoms but do no experience cycling of their symptoms. For those with a dual diagnosis where differences are blurred or cannot be detected, a correct diagnosis and treatment are often missed and not comprehensive.

Hypomania, ADHD, or a Dual Diagnosis Require Comprehensive Evaluation

Receiving a correct diagnosis of hypomania or bipolar disorder, ADHD, or a dual diagnosis leads to an appropriate treatment plan and interventions individualized for your specific needs. For a correct diagnosis call Dr. Hege and take the first step that can change your life for the better today.

About Darvin Hege

Dr. Darvin Hege has 25 years of experience dealing with adult patients who have adhd, bipolar disorders, drug addictions, panic attacks, depression, stress, and other mental health disorders. He offers evening and weekend office hours at his Atlanta, GA practice. Call today at 770 458-0007 for an evaluation for relief of your psychiatric disorders and for help deciding the most effective and safest treatment.

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