44: Why ADHD and Bi-Polar Disorder Are Commonly Misdiagnosed

Feb 1

This week's topic is all about bipolar disorder and why ADHD often gets misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder. Tracy posted a simple question to her, HAVE YOU BEEN MISDIAGNOSED WITH BI-POLAR DISORDER? She was shocked at how many women there had been and so she decided to research the subject. You’ll learn: When bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed What symptoms bipolar disorder and ADHD often share What bipolar disorder actually is The DSM requirements to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder Why bipolar disorder can’t be ignored and must be treated What mania is What hypomania is What the symptoms of a major depressive episode are What the greatest risk of bipolar disorder is The different types of bipolar disorder The difference between Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2 What the difference is between episodic and contextual emotional changes How sleep looks different in ADHD vs. Bipolar Disorder How uncontrollable talking and distractibility looks different in ADHD vs. Bipolar Disorder How emotional sensitivity looks different in ADHD vs. Bipolar Disorder How Bipolar Disorder looks different than ADHD in kids specifically around emotion If a diagnosis of ADHD makes you more likely to also have Bipolar Disorder If a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder makes it more likely that you’ll also have ADHD Why it’s so difficult to get an accurate diagnosis of bipolar disorder The link between Bipolar Disorder and Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder in kids If a fiery intense temper is indicative of ADHD That bipolar disorder is linked to the creative and artistic temperament and intelligence. Why heightened creativity or artistry only happens in hypomania and what part of the brain is involved in this.

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Quotes:

"Bipolar disorder must be treated, you know, just like untreated depression. If you don't treat your bipolar symptoms, you are more likely to get worse, and they become more dangerous over time." 
-  Tracy Otsuka

"Experts really need to make sure that they're asking the right questions. And if you're a patient, you need to know that most experts, they don't have an expertise in both areas."
-  Tracy Otsuka

"You know, we can just talk about all the negatives of the serious illness. But I think it's also important that we acknowledge that there are some real positives as well."
-  Tracy Otsuka

[00:00 - 14:03] Bipolar Disorder Symptoms and Diagnosis

  • Tracy discusses the misdiagnosis and management of bipolar disorder in teens and young adults.
  • Tracy defines mania and depressive symptoms in the DSM, highlighting their differences.
  • Tracy explains the different types of bipolar disorder, including bipolar one and two, and their symptoms.

[14:03 - 19:14] Bipolar Disorder Types and Differences

  • Tracy discusses the different types of bipolar disorder, including cyclofimea, rapid cycling, and NOS.
  • Tracy explains the differences between ADHD and bipolar disorder, highlighting that people with ADHD experience consistent feelings of unhappiness that can be alleviated by changing their environment, while people with bipolar disorder experience sudden and unpredictable episodes of depression with no clear cause.
  • Tracy discusses the differences between ADHD and bipolar disorder, highlighting the inconsistent behavior and speech patterns in bipolar disorder.

[19:14 - 37:19] ADHD and Bipolar Disorder Co-Occurrence, Diagnosis, and Treatment

  • Tracy states that 70% of people with bipolar disorder have ADHD, while 20% of people with ADHD have bipolar disorder.
  • Tracy shares insights from Dr. Oliver Hardy on the differences between ADHD and bipolar rage, highlighting the unpredictability and intensity of bipolar rages compared to the daily battles of ADHD.
  • Expert Russell Barkley believes that adults with bipolar disorder have a higher risk of ADHD (20-25%), while others suggest a higher risk for both conditions (80-90%).





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EPISODE #44

Hi, I'm Tracy

I teach Smart Ass ADHD women how to use their brilliant brains to build the life they want by embracing their too-muchness and focusing on their strengths.