Cyclothymia and ADHD — A Risk Factor or Misdiagnosis?

03/26/25 • 7 min

This episode is the audio version of a popular blog post—all about overlap—and confusion—between Cyclothymia (a mood disorder) and ADHD.

📝 Read the full post here:
Cyclothymia and ADHD: A Risk Factor—or Misdiagnosis?
https://adhdrollercoaster.org/the-basics-about-adult-adhd/cyclothymia-and-adhd-a-risk-factor-or-misdiagnosis/

In this episode, I explore the risks of misdiagnosis and the fallout from confusing mood instability with core ADHD traits. Many individuals with ADHD are misdiagnosed with mood disorders—and prescribed medications that may worsen their symptoms.

You’ll learn:

What Cyclothymia is—and how it differs from Bipolar Disorder
Why ADHD-related emotional dysregulation is not the same as mood cycling
How misdiagnosis can delay proper ADHD treatment
Why getting the diagnosis right is essential before starting medication
What research and clinical observation tell us—and what the DSM doesn’t

This information is especially important for adults newly exploring a diagnosis and clinicians who want to avoid common pitfalls.

Send Gina a text!

READY TO GO DEEPER — AND ACTUALLY MAKE PROGRESS?

💬 I love helping you better understand the complexity of ADHD as it applies to you, not a stereotype!

My online training program walks you through everything step-by-step:

Solving Your Adult ADHD Puzzle
For adults with ADHD and their partners. Includes expert video lessons and optional peer Q&A Zooms.

Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/

Podcast listener discount: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off any course.

Thanks for listening!
—Gina Pera

🔗 About My Work: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/about-gina-pera/

This episode is the audio version of a popular blog post—all about overlap—and confusion—between Cyclothymia (a mood disorder) and ADHD.

📝 Read the full post here:
Cyclothymia and ADHD: A Risk Factor—or Misdiagnosis?
https://adhdrollercoaster.org/the-basics-about-adult-adhd/cyclothymia-and-adhd-a-risk-factor-or-misdiagnosis/

You’ll learn:

What Cyclothymia is—and how it differs from Bipolar Disorder
Why ADHD-related emotional dysregulation is not the same as mood cycling
How misdiagnosis can delay proper ADHD treatment
Why getting the diagnosis right is essential before starting medication
What research and clinical observation tell us—and what the DSM doesn’t

This information is especially important for adults newly exploring a diagnosis and clinicians who want to avoid common pitfalls.

Send Gina a text!

READY TO GO DEEPER — AND ACTUALLY MAKE PROGRESS?

💬 I love helping you better understand the complexity of ADHD as it applies to you, not a stereotype!

My online training program walks you through everything step-by-step:

Solving Your Adult ADHD Puzzle
For adults with ADHD and their partners. Includes expert video lessons and optional peer Q&A Zooms.

Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/

Podcast listener discount: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off any course.

Thanks for listening!
—Gina Pera

🔗 About My Work: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/about-gina-pera/

Previous Episode

Breaking Out of ADHD Relationship Dysfunction—After Not Breaking a Fall

This is the audio version of one of the most popular posts at the ADHD Roller Coaster blog:

"Breaking Out of ADHD Relationship Dysfunction—After Not Breaking a Fall"

Read the full post here: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/the-basics/breaking-out-of-adhd-relationship-dysfunction-after-not-breaking-a-fall/

In this episode, I share a personal story that reveals hard-earned insights about ADHD, relationships, and what it takes to break out of long-standing patterns. My hope is that it helps smooth your ride—more fun, less whiplash.

Here’s what we cover:

How ADHD relationship patterns become entrenched—often before diagnosis
Why distorted assumptions and poor coping responses develop on both sides
How to distinguish ADHD symptoms from these ingrained behaviors
Why even good medication or therapy may not produce results—unless you understand this

These are issues I’ve tackled in my writing and presentations around the world—from San Francisco to Turkey.

Related episode:
ADHD, Empathy, and Dopamine – Podcast: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/adhd-and-relationships/empathy-dopamine-and-adhd-a-study-book-excerpt-and-definition/

Send Gina a text!

READY TO GO DEEPER — AND ACTUALLY MAKE PROGRESS?

💬 I love helping you better understand the complexity of ADHD as it applies to you, not a stereotype!

My online training program walks you through everything step-by-step:

Solving Your Adult ADHD Puzzle
For adults with ADHD and their partners. Includes expert video lessons and optional peer Q&A Zooms.

Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/

Podcast listener discount: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off any course.

Thanks for listening!
—Gina Pera

🔗 About My Work: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/about-gina-pera/

Next Episode

On With My Vent, in All Its Offensive Glory

This first-person story paints a vivid picture of what it’s like to move through the world with undiagnosed ADHD:

Constantly trying harder—but falling short
Wondering why life seems harder than it should be
Living with a quiet but relentless sense of failure
Receiving constant feedback that "You're not good enough"

Whether you're living with ADHD or love someone who is, this first-person account offers a rare window into the lived experience.
📝 Read the full post here:
When Adult ADHD Feels Like Not Being Good Enough
https://adhdrollercoaster.org/essays/when-adult-adhd-feels-like-not-being-good-enough/

Send Gina a text!

READY TO GO DEEPER — AND ACTUALLY MAKE PROGRESS?

💬 I love helping you better understand the complexity of ADHD as it applies to you, not a stereotype!

My online training program walks you through everything step-by-step:

Solving Your Adult ADHD Puzzle
For adults with ADHD and their partners. Includes expert video lessons and optional peer Q&A Zooms.

Learn more: https://ginapera.adhdsuccesstraining.com/

Podcast listener discount: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off any course.

Thanks for listening!
—Gina Pera

🔗 About My Work: https://adhdrollercoaster.org/about-gina-pera/

Gina Pera's Adult ADHD Roller Coaster - Cyclothymia and ADHD — A Risk Factor or Misdiagnosis?

Transcript

Cyclothymia and ADHD: A Risk Factor or Misdiagnosis?
Hi there—I'm Gina Pera, and welcome to the ADHD Roller Coaster podcast.
Today, we're tackling an often-overlooked but important issue: Is it cyclothymia—or is it ADHD? Or is it both? Maybe you've heard both terms. Maybe you've even received both diagnoses. But what do they really mean? And how much do clinicians truly understand the difference?
This episode explores how cyclothymia—a relatively rare mood disorder—is often co