EP. 44: Why ADHD and BiPolar Disorder Are Commonly Misdiagnosed

11/06/19 • 38 min

1 Listener

ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

This week's topic is all about bipolar disorder and why ADHD often gets misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder. Tracy posted a simple question to her group: "HAVE YOU BEEN MISDIAGNOSED WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?" She was shocked at how many women had been, so she decided to research the subject. In this episode, you’ll learn when bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed, what symptoms bipolar disorder and ADHD share, and what bipolar disorder actually is. The DSM requirements for diagnosing bipolar disorder are also discussed, along with why bipolar disorder can’t be ignored and must be treated.
Learn what mania and hypomania are, understand the symptoms of a major depressive episode, and recognize the greatest risk of bipolar disorder. Tracy discusses the different types of bipolar disorder, the difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II, and the distinction between episodic and contextual emotional changes. She also explains how sleep patterns differ in ADHD versus bipolar disorder, and how uncontrollable talking and distractibility present differently in the two conditions.
Explore how emotional sensitivity varies between ADHD and bipolar disorder, and how bipolar disorder manifests differently in kids, specifically around emotion. Discover if having an ADHD diagnosis makes you more likely to also have bipolar disorder, and if a diagnosis of bipolar disorder makes ADHD more likely. Tracy explains why it’s so difficult to get an accurate diagnosis of bipolar disorder and explores the link between bipolar disorder, conduct disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder in kids. Learn whether a fiery, intense temper is indicative of ADHD, and how bipolar disorder is linked to creativity and artistic temperament and intelligence. Tracy also explains why heightened creativity or artistry only happens in hypomania, and which part of the brain is involved in this.

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.
Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book
Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok
Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com
Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka

Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/class
Unlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/class
Unlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends

Previous Episode

EP. 43: How Megan Burlingame Failed Her Way to Success and Discovered her ADHD Superpowers

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

In Episode #43 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy speaks with the delightful Megan Margaret Burlingame. Megan is 34 years old, a wife and the mother of two very busy boys. Throughout her childhood, Megan struggled mightily with her ADHD but is clear about the fact that her struggles also led her to discover her Superpowers. Today Megan lives in Arlington, WA, where she works with cities, counties, and government agencies to advise them on zoning and legal land issues. In her free time, she operates a small flower farm where she also grows a large variety of organic heirloom tomatoes.

Tracy invited Megan to her podcast after she posted this response to another member who said she was having trouble seeing anything positive about her ADHD:

“The more I educate myself about it, the more I realize that it makes me who I am. I am so so good with people, I understand their natures and moods. Sometimes it is like a wave of emotions that hits me when I enter a room and, while inconvenient, let me see the true nature of people. I am also much more empathetic because of how much I was picked on for skipping around school constantly, saying the wrong things, laughing too loud, etc. I love to root for the underdog and think that cruelty from others for any reason is horrendous. In a crisis or when someone is swamped with work, I can jump in and formulate a plan, execute it with a maniacal glee, and excel beyond my peers.”

Megan’s revelation around taking medication, non-pharmacological workarounds, and her best advice to those who are struggling with their ADHD and/or are parents of children with ADHD are also discussed in the episode.
______________
Resources:

Youtube: How to ADHD
www.summitflowerfarm.com

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/class
Unlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends

Next Episode

EP. 45: When ADHD is Misdiagnosed as Bi-Polar Disorder, Meet 27 Year-Old MMA Fighter Elizabeth Megan

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

In Episode #45 of *ADHD for Smart Ass Women*, Tracy introduces you to 27-year-old MMA fighter Emma Elizabeth Megan ("Em"), who was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 18.
Em began struggling after facing a lot of stress during her first year of college. Initially diagnosed with depression, she was prescribed citalopram, which caused her to feel “buzzy” or hyper. This reaction ultimately led to her misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder.
Em accepted the diagnosis, being young and unaware of alternatives. The bipolar medication, however, made her suicidal, and she spent time in psychiatric units. During this period, Em also pursued a Master's in Psychology to better understand bipolar disorder.

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message