Bipolar Disorder and ADHD Symptoms: It’s only fun if it’s happening to a puppy and not you!

 

My brain feels like there is a puppy inside chasing butterflies instead of letting me work! 

It’s common for people with bipolar disorder to have ADD symptoms as well.

If the person with bipolar disorder has ADD or ADHD symptoms when manic or depressed, it’s a symptom of bipolar disorder. If the symptoms are separate from a manic or depressed episode, the ADD or ADHD symptoms are a separate diagnosis. 

I wish I could take Ritalin regularly. It helps SO MUCH, but it also causes mania. People with bipolar disorder simply can’t take ADD medications unless they are also on a strong mood stabilizer. This means a natural management plan for the symptoms needs to be in place  I write about my plan in Get it Done When You’re Depressed. I  used my strategies this morning and finally got out of the house and was able to sit down and work.  Puppies chasing butterflies are cute- unless they keep you from getting on with your life.

These attention problems significantly affect my ability to work.  I have a separate ADD problem  that has to be treated separately from the bipolar disorder! Do you have ADD symptoms?

Julie

Related posts:
BP Magazine Blog: Why Can’t I Take Anti Depressants or ADHD Meds if I Have Bipolar Disorder?
Clean One Room at a Time and Don’t Cut Your Finger Off When Cooking
Odd depression and mania symptoms of bipolar disorder