Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder are two distinct yet frequently overlapping mental health conditions. When both occur together, as in comorbid ADHD and bipolar disorder, the diagnosis and treatment process becomes more complex. ADHD symptoms such as impulsive behavior, mood dysregulation, and emotional outbursts may resemble or overlap with manic episodes or mood fluctuations seen in bipolar disorder. Proper diagnosis requires distinguishing between symptoms of bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorders or personality disorders. I use structured diagnostic criteria from the Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and clinical expertise to clarify what’s truly going on.
Many patients experience symptoms from childhood, but the full picture often becomes clearer in early adulthood or adolescence. My evaluation process begins with a comprehensive assessment that considers ADHD symptoms, manic symptoms, depressive episodes, sleep problems, and family history. Tools like the ADHD diagnosis criteria and bipolar diagnostic frameworks help assess comorbid ADHD and mood disorders. I also factor in executive function issues, substance abuse history, and any past suicide attempts or mood episodes. Distinguishing between ADHD vs bipolar disorder requires a careful review of symptom timelines, emotional triggers, and age of onset. Accurate diagnosis is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and to create an effective treatment plan.
Treatment must be personalized for each patient based on their symptom severity, mental health condition, and lifestyle. For bipolar patients with comorbid ADHD, mood stabilizers such as lithium or valproate may be used to manage mood states and prevent manic episodes or depressive states. Stimulant medication and ADHD medications can be helpful for attention issues, but their use must be carefully monitored to avoid triggering mood episodes or mixed episodes. I often recommend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and psychoeducation as a foundational part of care. ADHD comorbidity in bipolar disorder requires balancing symptom management with mood regulation. Treatment options also address sleep deprivation, emotional dysregulation, and co-occurring conditions such as substance use disorders or conduct disorder.
ADHD and bipolar disorder both require long-term mental health care to manage mood symptoms, impulsive symptoms, and mood swings. I closely monitor treatment response and adverse effects from medications, especially in adult ADHD or adult bipolar disorder patients. My approach includes reviewing longitudinal studies, current systematic review data, and guidelines from the National Institute of Mental Health and Journal of Affective Disorders. Lifestyle coaching and support from healthcare providers or support groups can make a major difference in long-term recovery. Education about early signs of relapse, medication adherence, and stress management strategies are key components of any successful treatment plan.
I met Michael Feldman after years of search and trial and error. If you look for a professional who is invested in his patient’s progress, research-oriented, with a deep understanding of the body-mind connection and a wholistic approach to treatment, look no further.
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Dr Michael Feldman is an amazing doctor. He prescribed the proper medication in the right dosage for me. He did this because he listens and asks very good questions. I highly recommend him and his practice at Gimle Health.
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Michael Feldman is a wonderful and caring P.A. He always gives 100%. He listens attentively and provides many insights I would never thought of by myself . I find having him in my corner invaluable and I could not recommend him more highly. He’s the best!
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Michael is an amazing professional! He truly invests in his patients and provides care and feedback even during off hours. Although we have only been using his services for a short time, he already stands out as caring, knowledgeable, and confident in his approach. We plan to continue using his services and would absolutely recommend him to anyone!
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Yes. Many patients experience both conditions, often referred to as comorbid ADHD and bipolar disorder. They share overlapping symptoms like impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and mood swings, but they are separate diagnoses with distinct treatment plans. Recognizing this comorbidity is essential for developing an effective treatment plan that targets both attention and mood regulation.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder marked by episodes of depression, mania, or hypomanic episodes. ADHD symptoms are more consistent over time, while bipolar symptoms occur in mood episodes. Proper differential diagnosis is essential to distinguish between these similar symptoms.
Treatment for ADHD and bipolar disorder requires a delicate balance. Mood stabilizers are typically introduced first to control manic symptoms and mood states. Once stable, stimulant treatment may be added cautiously to manage ADHD symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle adjustments help address mood dysregulation and improve executive function.
Yes. Stimulant medications, including common ADHD medications, can sometimes trigger manic symptoms or mood fluctuations in bipolar patients if mood stabilizers are not in place. That’s why mood symptoms must be stabilized before introducing stimulants. Monitoring by a mental health professional is crucial.
Young adults, especially those with a family history of mood disorders or early-onset ADHD, are at higher risk for comorbid conditions. Early adulthood is often when symptoms intensify, requiring prompt and accurate diagnosis. Longitudinal studies show that high comorbidity rates in this age group can lead to greater functional impairment without proper care.
Emotional dysregulation—such as extreme mood reactions, irritability, or emotional outbursts—is common in both ADHD and bipolar disorder. While it’s a hallmark of mood episodes in bipolar disorder, it also complicates the ADHD diagnosis. Careful evaluation of emotional triggers and context helps differentiate between the two conditions.
Therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, plays a vital role in managing ADHD and bipolar symptoms. It helps patients recognize thought patterns, improve impulse control, and manage mood dysregulation. Therapy is also useful in addressing co-occurring disorders such as Borderline Personality Disorder, anxiety disorders, or substance abuse. A structured therapeutic relationship supports behavior change, builds coping skills, and enhances long-term mental health outcomes. For those dealing with emotional dysregulation, frequent mood episodes, or suicide attempts, therapy can be a stabilizing force—especially when combined with a broader treatment plan developed with healthcare providers. In young adults, therapy also supports executive function and builds resilience during early adulthood transitions.
Absolutely. Lifestyle changes play a critical role in stabilizing mood symptoms and enhancing focus. These include maintaining regular sleep schedules, engaging in daily physical activity, avoiding substance use, and following a consistent daily routine. For ADHD patients and bipolar disorder patients alike, managing stress, limiting screen time, and ensuring proper nutrition contribute to more effective treatment outcomes. Patients with overlapping symptoms or those experiencing mixed episodes may find that even small changes to daily life can reduce the need for medication adjustments. Support from mental health professionals and family members often improves adherence to healthy habits and boosts overall emotional well-being. These approaches are particularly valuable in managing severe symptoms and reducing the risk of relapse.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like high energy, loss of interest, mood fluctuations, impulsive symptoms, or difficulty with focus, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional. Misdiagnosis is common when overlapping symptoms are present. A thorough evaluation using structured diagnostic criteria helps ensure an accurate diagnosis of ADHD, bipolar disorder, or both. The earlier the intervention, the more effective the treatment plan will be in restoring emotional stability and improving daily functioning. Diagnostic accuracy is essential for selecting the right medications, especially in patients with comorbid ADHD and mood disorders. Tools like the DSM-5 criteria and longitudinal assessments help clarify the difference between similar symptoms—leading to more effective treatment outcomes and a better quality of life.
Comprehensive services designed for each individual.
Treatment of Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Eating Disorders,
Psychosis, Schizophrenia and other psychiatric conditions.
Comprehensive services are designed for each individual. Treatment of Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Eating Disorders,
Psychosis, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric conditions.
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