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Originally Posted by CrazyTinkerbell
Does anyone here have Bipolar and ADD? Just curious cause I'm Bipolar and I think I have ADD and was wondering if they can add something for the ADD. It is so hard for me to concentrate!! It's frustrating and when I'm in a manic episode it only makes it worse. Any insights would be great!!
Thanks
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Hi CrazyTinkerbell

Welcome.

ADHD and Bipolar are not uncommon to have comorbidly, but they are also often mistaken for each other.
I had a friend who for a long time was misdiagnosed as Bipolar, but he really had ADHD. When he suspected that he wasn't really Bipolar, but ADHD after he had a bad experience with the drugs they prescribed him for Bipolar (including Lithium), he went to another psychologist and he conducted an extensive psychological assessment. It included an I. Q. test (forget the name, Weschler maybe; he did all the subtests), and other extensive neuropsychological tests in addition to the traditional mental status assessment. It took days. I went through something similar when I was checked for ADHD and other disorders.
Do you see a therapist too? I suggest that you try a psychologist on a regular basis anyway, and they are preferable to psychiatrists when it comes to neuropsychological testing and assessments of ADHD in adults (and I would argue superior to a psychiatrist in all cases, but meh...lol). If they diagnose ADHD and think you would benefit from a trial of meds. for ADHD, they can recommend a GP or psychiatrist and give them a report and/or your records (by you signing a consent to release info.) with the other doctor. The team approach to treating mental health disorders seems to me to work the best way.
The stimulants like Ritalin, Adderall, Vyvanse, Daytrana, Dexedrine, etc. sometimes cannot prescribe to patients who also have Bipolar, but it depends (stimulants can agitate Bipolar symptoms, especially Manic phases). The only other type of drug approved strictly for ADHD is Strattera, which is a stimulant-like drug that can be tried too. Some people with ADHD have had success with Wellbutrin (buproprion-generic), which is an anti-depressant that can be prescribed off-label for ADHD if you can't take the regular stimulants. I know some people here take Wellbutrin for ADHD and have done well.
How long ago were you diagnosed with Bipolar (and what type of Bipolar)?
Who diagnosed you with Bipolar (Primary Care/General Practitioner, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Other)? I'm not Bipolar, but I have had a manic episode that was drug induced one time--side effect of a medication I took for a medical condition. I can tell you personally--- THAT SUCKS!~
So, what's your plan for getting checked out again?