Is Bipolar Disorder Ever Misdiagnosed as ADHD in Youth?

PostedOctober 10, 2025

UpdatedOctober 14, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Yes, bipolar disorder and ADHD misdiagnosis can occur, especially in children and adolescents. Both conditions share overlapping symptoms, such as mood swings, impulsivity, and difficulty with attention, which can lead to confusion in paediatric diagnosis. Bipolar disorder, a mood disorder marked by extreme mood swings, can sometimes be mistaken for ADHD due to the impulsivity and hyperactivity seen in both. However, the underlying causes and treatment approaches are different.

In bipolar disorder, mood swings typically alternate between manic episodes, characterised by extreme energy, impulsiveness, and irritability, and depressive episodes, where the individual may feel extremely low, lethargic, or disengaged. In contrast, ADHD primarily involves persistent inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity without the mood fluctuations seen in bipolar disorder.

Why Bipolar Disorder Is Sometimes Misdiagnosed as ADHD

Mood Swings and Impulsivity

Children with bipolar disorder may experience periods of extreme irritability or elevated mood, which can lead to impulsive behaviours and trouble with focus, resembling ADHD symptoms. However, these mood fluctuations are more intense and episodic in bipolar disorder, whereas ADHD symptoms are more consistent over time and do not involve significant mood swings.

Hyperactivity

Both conditions can involve hyperactivity, but the causes are different. In ADHD, hyperactivity is typically a consistent trait, while in bipolar disorder, hyperactivity often appears during manic episodes, with periods of normal energy in between.

Because both disorders require different treatments, distinguishing between them is crucial. A proper evaluation by a mental health professional with experience in paediatric diagnosis can help clarify whether a child has ADHD, bipolar disorder, or another condition.

If you suspect a misdiagnosis or have concerns about your child’s behaviour, consider seeking professional help from providers like ADHD Certify for comprehensive assessments.

For a deeper dive into ADHD diagnosis and treatment, read our complete guide to Mislabelling Behavioral Issues as ADHD.

Victoria Rowe, MSc

Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.