Bipolar mood disorder (BD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are serious maladies with chronic course, with strong social, familial and educational impact. Since both of them may present similar symptomatology and may also occur as comorbidity, the differential diagnosis can be considered difficult. However the medication used for the treatment of ADHD can aggravate BD in children who are not treated. Rates raging from 49% to 87% ADHD are described in children and adolescents with BD. Children who present both disorders have a more serious course and present higher rates of psychotic symptoms, depression, learning problems, hospitalization, anxiety and disruptive behavior. Children with BD and ADHD should start treatment with mood stabilizers, whereas the impact of the maniac symptoms is greater than the symptoms of ADHD. If the symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity remain, even after mood stabilization, treatment for ADHD with psychostimulants is warranted.
Bipolar disorder; attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity; diagnosis; treatment
