Hello Animanic, I am dx with add/add from early age. Did poorly in school from first grade on. Was socially immature& phobic. Teachers always said, she can learn, she just doesn't pay attention... No special Ed in my day.
Came out of high school with a 1.82 gpa, did awful on Sats. But, I did well in nursing school because it interested me.
My first 12 yrs of school bored me & I just starred out the window. But my poor grades did embarrass me but I couldn't help it.
That is the difference between add/adhd & early dx of bipolar.
Dx of bp did come later at age 36 but had symptoms since late teens.
Started having panic attacks at 18 & those are still my dx currently.
ADHD, panic disorder w/o agoraphobia, & bipolar II.
I wish you well. A pdoc needs to decide your dx & it's up to you to go from there.