Similarities
Both disorders share many characteristics: impulsivity, inattention,
hyperactivity, physical energy, behavioral and emotional lability (behavior
and emotions change frequently), frequent coexistence of conduct disorder
and oppositional-defiant disorder, and learning problems. Motor
restlessness during sleep may be seen in both (children who are bipolar are
physically restless at night when "high or manic",though they may have
little physical motion during sleep when "low or depressed"). Family
histories in both conditions often include mood disorder. Psychostimulants
or antidepressants can help in both disorders (that is, depending on the
phase of the bipolar disorder). In view of the similarities, it is not
surprising that the disorders are hard to tell apart.
Differences
So what features can help in distinguishing these two disorders? Some
distinctions are obvious.
1. Destructiveness may be seen in both disorders but differs in origin.
Children who are ADHD often break things carelessly while playing
("non-angry destructiveness"), whereas the ma