cognition

ADHD and Bipolar Disorder may at times ‘look’ similar, but the differences can spell big trouble for treatment strategies. Tune in to  the link at  CorePsych Radio to listen to this program on Thursday 4PM EDT, 1 PDT to tease apart the specifics.

The Diagnostic Challenge: Biology More than Psychology

Bipolar Overview:

1. Remember Bipolar is a *Mood Disorder,*
   
2. ‘Not’ Primarily *Cognition* ‘Not’ Primarily *Impulsivity*
3. But often does demonstrate Cognitive Changes
4. Can occur with ADHD
   

Consider these Biologic Contributions: All can look ‘bipolar’ until corrected or directly addressed

1. Sleep
2. Stress
3. Drug Reactions: Stimulants used with Depression
4. Substance abuse
   
5. Malnutrition
   
6. Immune conditions: Gluten/Corn
   
7. PTSD
   
8. Estrogen Dominance
   
9. Industrial toxins, paints
   
10. Thyroid
11. Brain Injury

Bipolar I: Are these symptoms Mania or Depression?

1. >Shopping - Differential from Depression
   
2. Manic Shopping Objective: Shopping for the neighborhood
   
3. Art Buchwald in Martha’s Vineyard
4. Depression Objective: Shopping to fill the hole in my heart
5. >Sex – Differential from Depression Impulsivity becomes cyclic and repetitive
6. Manic: I will make everyone happy they need me and will remember me
7. Depressed: I need them, I don’t care what it takes.
8. >Sleep – Impulsivity and sleep disturbance often connected to both Bipolar and ADHD
   
9. Marked sleep disorder does not absolutely mean Bipolar
10. Can be associated with ADHD
11. >Stress - Cortisol – Adrenal dysfunction
    

Bipolar II: The Refractory Depression: Cormbidity the key – Some frequent examples

1. Comorbid ADHD
2. Drugs and ETOH
3. Watch for *Clint Eastwood Depression:* More Explosive
4. Sleep Deprivation and Paranoia
   
5. Post Partum Depression – Estrogen Dominance
   
6. Differentiate from ADHD, but May Include ADHD

ADHD Differential: Always Consider ADHD

1. Predominantly cognitive
2. ADHD More contextual [related to the reality], but can deteriorate with stress and sleep issues to non contextual
3. Bipolar Moods more explosive and dangerous
4. Both Can have Associated Sleep problems
5. School History
6. Bipolar is less contextual, more out of the blue
7. Bipolar moods often last longer
8. Bipolar less apologetic
   
9. ADHD and Bipolar Both Often associated with TBI

The Meds: We will Review Some Mood Disorder Med Details

See ya Thursday – outline in pdf at the CorePsych Radio link

cp

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—>Tweet this post below! For ADHD Medications: Download complimentary white paper Precise Solutions now, – and get ready for the complete version of ‘The Patient’s Guide’ details to follow. Get Neurotransmitter Details Here

Tagged as: ADHD SPECT, Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Bipolar Disorder, cognition, Disorders, impulsive brain, Lithium, Mental health, Mood, Mood disorder, reductionistic thinking, Sleep deprivation, SPECT Brain Function Imaging, Stimulant medications, substance abuse, Traumatic brain injury

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