The Carlat Psychiatry Podcast

When Bipolar and ADHD Overlap: Diagnosis

42 snips
Nov 18, 2024
The podcast explores the intricate overlap between bipolar disorder and ADHD, using a real-life case study to illustrate diagnostic challenges. Listeners learn about the need for precision in identifying these conditions, especially when considering treatment options like stimulant medications. A quiz is introduced to help understand affective temperaments linked to both disorders. The discussion includes a five-step guide for diagnosing ADHD in adults with bipolar symptoms, emphasizing the importance of assessing mood episodes and childhood history.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

ADHD and Bipolar Overlap

  • ADHD and bipolar disorder co-occur in 10-20% of bipolar patients.
  • However, only about half of adult bipolar patients with childhood ADHD still experience it, reducing the overlap to 5-10%.
ADVICE

Diagnosing ADHD in Bipolar Patients

  • Avoid relying solely on ADHD screening tools for bipolar patients.
  • Use structured interviews instead for more accurate ADHD diagnoses in this population.
INSIGHT

False Positives of ADHD in Bipolar

  • False ADHD diagnoses in bipolar patients arise from overlapping symptoms, temperament, and cognitive issues.
  • These factors make distinguishing between the two conditions challenging, especially when symptoms are less intense.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app