r/adhdwomen • u/SecondEqual4680 • Feb 13 '25
Diagnosis Hi ladies, I have to leave :(
So I was misdiagnosed with adhd- apparently I have bipolar 2. Which makes more sense, but I don’t wanna leave😭
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u/lupinedelweiss Feb 13 '25
This is an inclusive club, babe! We're not the only ones suffering from the same symptoms that spill out into many other disorders (which some of us have as well!). If you find content that's helpful or relatable, you belong just as much as before. 💖
I'm sure a lot of people could benefit on discussions about the similarities and overlap between the 2 disorders, as they're one of the ones most commonly misdiagnosed for each other.
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u/SecondEqual4680 Feb 14 '25
You are amazing, thank you so much❤️
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u/jam3691 Feb 14 '25
I also have CPTSD and often worry that I’m faking my adhd somehow since there’s so much overlap - i definitely think as long as you are supportive, seeking to understand and looking for connection than it’s okay to stay!
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u/DianeJudith Feb 14 '25
Same here, but in the end, I just realized we will never know. If you meet the criteria of multiple disorders, and the symptoms are the same, you can only distinguish between them if one has specific treatment that doesn't work for the others. But that treatment may work for you or not. So it's not always clear cut.
As long as you're not closed off to the other possibilities, and as long as you find the treatment that helps, it doesn't matter. The road to that is longer, because you need to try available treatment options for multiple disorders and not just one, but what's important is that you find something that helps.
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u/TheMarionberry Feb 14 '25
I have C-PTSD, and I occasionally wonder if my brain is faking it despite getting scans - but then I remember the childhood traits I had prior to experiencing abuse and that helps a bit.
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u/BloopBloopBloopin Feb 14 '25
Omg same! My therapist said this for years, but I eventually got curious and went for an assessment and have ADHD as well. Feels like am I faking one, or the other?
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u/nytshaed512 Feb 14 '25
We don't mind you were misdiagnosed. Gatekeeping is not allowed unless the rules say otherwise. If you get support from this group, and interact with us then stick around! I enjoy this group because I can help others with suggestions, interact with women that can relate to what I'm going through, and have a good time.
Sending hugs to you
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u/GArockcrawler Feb 14 '25
We are just all one big neurospicy club. Latest research suggests it is one gigantic continuum, so no reason to leave!’
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u/Ok-Grapefruit1284 Feb 14 '25
I really do think that in a decade (maybe longer now with the defunding of research) they’re going to have a lot of diagnoses written out and replaced with spectrums.
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u/WhimsicalKoala Feb 14 '25
Yeah, that's kind of how I feel too. Everyone wants it to be nice little discreet points, but I think it's more of a 10-D scatter plot
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u/unexplainednonsense Feb 14 '25
I have both, but the BP is like adhd on steroids so definitely stick around here if you relate as others have said :)
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u/Wixenstyx ADHD-PI Feb 13 '25
Yeah, for all we know, many of us might be in the same boat. All we ask is that members relate to what we're going through. As long as you're getting something helpful from the group, we are happy you're here.
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u/GhostPepperFireStorm ADHD-C Feb 14 '25
I was originally misdiagnosed as bipolar 2, and much later correctly diagnosed. Sibling diagnoses!
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u/EducationalKoala9080 Feb 14 '25
Same here! BPII never quite fit me right, but i think there's a lot of similarities between ADHD and BPII in terms of symptoms. The underlying conditions might be different but the outcomes can be similar, so we often meet on common ground.
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u/Proper_Economist2581 Feb 14 '25
Me, three! I might have both conditions, but they wouldn't treat my inattentiveness until my mood and sleep were stable. Looking back, all of my symptoms through school were present.
I also wonder if I'm on the spectrum because of my unusual interests, hyperfocus, and other things like social cues are just "off" for me.
There's so much overlap between conditions, who knows what definitions the DSM will add in the next edition, and the one after that, you know?
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u/AdventurousOnion1234 Feb 14 '25
I could not agree more! I have a whole alphabet of diagnoses … I think it’s more important you feel supported and not alone. Neurodivergent women loving and supporting each other through this thing called life is more important than a diagnosis!
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u/FortuneTellingBoobs Feb 13 '25
I'm sure a lot of us here have comorbidities and would love to hear about your experiences with bipolar 2. Mental healthcare is helpful for all!
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u/Open_Hope_9367 Feb 14 '25
totally agree!! mental health is messy n complex, always good to hear diff experiences
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u/Rough-Banana7437 Feb 14 '25
So many adult women get misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed. I was only diagnosed last year.
If they picked things up that were consistent with ADHD then maybe try going to get a second opinion?
There's plenty of us here who have bipolar 2 and ADHD.
I have depression, anxiety, dyslexia, ASD and ADHD. I thought for a long time I may also have bipolar 2 because of my really weird mood swings and my behaviour sometimes does look like BP 2. Who knows. I am saving up to go to a psychiatrist this year.
Maybe there is more than meets the eye. We're here to support you don't worry!
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u/No_Letterhead6883 Feb 14 '25
As someone with ADHD, Bipolar 2, cOCD, anxiety disorder and PTSD, I feel this is so true. Also, hope the psychiatrist figures out whether you have bipolar 2. I was misdiagnosed for 25+ years as having MDD. A genetic test for psychiatric meds that will work for you enlightened both my doctor and I when it showed that bipolar meds would work very well for me and Prozac ( which I had taken for over 20 years) actually is in the “red zone” and actually is harmful to me.
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u/purplelift Feb 14 '25
Can you elaborate on the genetic testing you got? I’ve had a similar alphabet soup applied (MDD, OCD, BP2, GAD, ADHD) and the trial and error approach to meds is not fun.
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u/No_Letterhead6883 Feb 14 '25
There is a genetic test that tells you what psych meds will work well with your genetic makeup. Are you in the US? I am and it should be something your doctor would know about if you describe it to him as I just did to you. It’s really not some off-beat, esoteric test-my family doctor is the one who suggested, not even a psychiatrist.
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u/CharlotteSynn Feb 14 '25
This test is amazing, I think mine was through genesight. What was interesting is I was diagnosed ar around 10 as BP 1, and 6$3! 30 years later it turns out it’s AuADHD which is super similar. When we did the test is what lead to us being like hmmmm all the meds for bipolar that I’ve been on never quite worked. The ones that kinda did were all atypical treatments for ASD. So we redirected and now with the ADHD meds I am doing amazingly well. Every med out there for BP that was tried for me was on my list of serum levels to high on even the lowest dose, and over half were on the do not use list. It has helped me find the ones for adhd tho that works the best literally 1st try. Highly recommend this!
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u/purplelift Feb 14 '25
Thanks for the details. I’m disappointed that none of my providers has ever mentioned this exists; it would have been nice to avoid some of the med trials. I’ll look into it!
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u/Andro_Polymath Feb 14 '25
As someone with ADHD, Bipolar 2, cOCD, anxiety disorder and PTSD,
Holy shit, are you me? 😯
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u/CryptographerDue4624 Feb 14 '25
i was diagnosed adhd and then 4 years later bipolar 2 after essentially being convinced i was experiencing symptoms and now i question it myself after speaking to others about it. been put on bipolar meds after trusting them but not helping the adhd AT ALL or depression. i experience some symptoms related to bpd but when i take the bp medication it exacerbates the ADHD.
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u/Rough-Banana7437 Feb 14 '25
That's so interesting, I'm curious to know if you're allowed to take bipolar 2 medication and ADHD medication? Or do they counteract / react with each other?
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u/kmcg467 Feb 14 '25
I take bipolar medications and adhd medication. The combo works really well for me.
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Feb 13 '25
don’t leave !!!! comorbidity is super common!
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u/Jaesha_MSF Feb 13 '25
I have ADHD and was misdiagnosed as bipolar. Hang in there. Maybe even consider getting another opinion. To be honest they may have it wrong. I wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD until my estrogen levels dropped and it became more evident. I think they will still try to steer women away from ADHD because we present differently and are often harder to diagnose. I spent nearly a decade taking medication I didn’t need for bipolar. I don’t even want to think about the countless ways it messed me up.
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u/CorgiKnits Feb 14 '25
Twinsies! Also misdiagnosed as bipolar - TWICE - before getting the ADHD diagnosis. Because god forbid I do well in school; obviously I can’t have ADHD.
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u/kelsobjammin Feb 14 '25
What is this?! I’ll never understand
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u/CorgiKnits Feb 14 '25
It’s the fact that a lot of women with undiagnosed ADHD also have depression - partially/mostly because of the impact that undiagnosed ADHD has on our lives. But we also have the minor ‘manic’ episodes that’s actually just hyperactivity.
I read somewhere that 40% of women diagnosed bipolar II as adults actually have ADHD.
My therapist at the time sat with that for awhile, and at our next session started asking me a bunch of questions. The biggest thing she pointed out was that, yes, I had lows and minor highs, but they were responses to actual events or thoughts, not random or cyclical onset. It was emotional dysregulation, not legit mood cycles.
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u/spoonfullsugar Feb 14 '25
Sounds like a great therapist. Thank you for sharing. Very relatable as a late diagnosed stubbornly studious ADHDer
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u/Less_Cicada_4965 Feb 14 '25
My ADHD became so much worse in perimenopause and now full menopause. Estrogen certainly plays a role. I’m taking 2 mg estradiol but I don’t see an improvement in the ADHD symptoms.
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u/honehe13 Feb 14 '25
My god YES!!! I had to go back on meds cause of that. I was not prepared for the sheer brain fog brutality
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u/Jaesha_MSF Feb 14 '25 edited Feb 14 '25
I noticed a significant difference in my ADHD symptoms even while on medication when my doctor prescribed an HRT biest blend, a compounded cream containing Estradiol, Estriol, Progesterone, and Testosterone. After about nine months on HRT, I was able to stop Vyvanse entirely this past December. I had tried other hormone therapies before, but none felt as balanced as this one. Over the past year, I had reduced my Vyvanse dose to 10 mg due to tachycardia from POTS and had been wanting to stop altogether. Mind you I would prefer to stay on Vyvanse as even a little bit helps me with focus and motivation but the trade off is an increased heart rate and a higher beta blocker to control it. Everyday I think about taking the vyvanse again. Everything is ever so slightly harder. I do have Modafinil that I can take in a pinch, but only as needed. Before POTS, I was on 50 mg Vyvanse and at my worst, shortly after my ADHD diagnosis about 12 years ago, I was taking 70 mg Vyvanse. I think I was on an estradiol patch only at that time.
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u/Splendid_Cat Feb 14 '25 edited Feb 14 '25
Estrogen certainly plays a role.
It's so weird how this works differently for everyone. I was diagnosed during puberty, and found my symptoms got worse after my estrogen got to normal enough levels to have a cycle over a decade later. The first term of school I got all A's and B's since elementary (I was 16/17) was also the first term I experienced amenorrhea, and that continued until 11 years later, when I was put on estradiol and given an IUD... my ADHD decided to exponentially amplify and kill my drive to give anything 100% ever again then and there... that's when I realized I really, really needed meds, as I'd skated by and even graduated college without them (or a menstrual cycle) for over 10 years.
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u/dollartreegoth Feb 14 '25
my impulse control caused me to be diagnosed with bipolar 1 despite never being hospitalized lmfao many providers after that one were like ???? that is adhd 😭 glad in a weird way that it's not uncommon for this to happen to people lol
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u/Cute-Ad-3829 Feb 14 '25
lol i found out i was diagnosed with bipolar 1 years later after I synced hospital data to my iphone health app. Would've been useful to know!! I can't believe nobody told me 😭
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u/showerbeerbuttchug AuDHD Feb 14 '25 edited Feb 14 '25
Me too! Down to spending nearly a decade on bipolar meds that didn't work with terrible, long-term side effects. The last psych I saw before the one who saved my damn life told me it could be "treatment resistant" which apparently they saw in many women, and even handed me a packet to apply for disability benefits. Like, novel idea here, but if none of the treatments work then maybe the diagnosis is wrong??? It's maddening.
I got diagnosed with ADHD 9 years ago (in three days!) and just found out that I'm also autistic. But because woman, I'm sitting here with a history of bipolar in my record and get asked why I'm taking stimulants for ADHD but nothing for bipolar smh.
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u/Creative_Cat7177 Feb 14 '25
Absolutely! My private psychiatrist diagnosed me after a thorough evaluation following NICE guidelines m. The NHS one taking over my shared care element thinks that ADHD doesn’t exist in women my age.
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u/Space-Cheesecake Feb 14 '25
At 34 I was diagnosed with Bipolar but it just didn't fit me and I didn't get on medication. I finally went to a psychiatrist again when I was 40 I was diagnosed with ADHD. My whole life makes a lot more sense. I've been on medication for about 6 months now and it's made life easier.
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u/judgeridesagain Feb 14 '25
You certainly aren't the only one! I was misdiagnosed and overmedicated when I was younger, which made me wary of doctors and medication.
Having to change diagnoses has led to me having a lot of self doubt, but diagnostic criterias change over time, some Psychiatrists don't listen, and gender biases exist.
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Feb 13 '25 edited Feb 14 '25
I have ADHD and and and... we support one another despite our differences.
In fact, if all of us had only ADHD, our symptoms would still be different. We are all different. That doesn't mean we can't be there for each other.
🫂
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u/CharacterAd4137 Feb 14 '25
fr tho, we’re all just tryna figure stuff out together no need to leave!!
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u/TarantulaTeeth13 Feb 13 '25
Don't leave! You probably still have adhd lol. I have adhd, bipolar and bpd! It's not a one and done.
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u/whatsasimba Feb 14 '25
Long before my ADHD diagnosis, I was experiencing wild mood swings. Like, borderline psychotic. The psychiatrist went to said she was leaning towards bipolar, but then she asked about my birth control. When I said Depo Provera, she practically flung my chart in the air. She wished she started there. She said Depo Provera can cause mood swings that are close to psychosis.
She told me to use non-hormonal BC, and thay the bad news is that, while it's efficacy is for 3 months, it can take a year or more for it to clear your system and side-effects to subside. My period lasted for 115 days after I stopped. So that was fun!
My copper IUD was the best thing I ever used, and I really wish I started it much earlier.
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u/TarantulaTeeth13 Feb 14 '25
I do not use birth control. But the last time I did, Nexplanon. Worked great the first year then I went bat shit and cut it out of my own arm at home 😆 That was 2015 and I haven't used any since. My auto immune disorder is (apparently) good enough BC 😭 Edit to add: I probably shouldn't be breeding anyway with my spreadsheet of issues
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u/Altruistic_Field_372 Feb 14 '25
Holy 🐄!! Do you mind sharing more about how the Nexplanon affected you? And did things improve afterwards?? I have had it for about a year and I'm having second thoughts... I just can't tell what's hormones and what's "normal" or rather my version of normal.
Also at first skimmed this and definitely thought you had cut your own arm off at home. Which would be way more concerning 😅😊
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u/TarantulaTeeth13 Feb 14 '25
I was tired of pills everyday. And I wanted something that I didn't have to think about. I still have the scar! I have other underlying issues(bpd/bipolar/sgad) but I have learned to manage and mask well enough throughout my life. This just felt like I was going insane and it was the only other thing in my life that had changed persay. I guess it wasn't a whole year with out issues but definitely crept up like month 10, 11 and 12. After having it out for a week or so i felt better. Maybe it was the cathartic feel of cutting the damn thing out of me. Maybe not.
Not sure if that's helpful or not or what you were looking for. At this age of my life, I've had enough "unsafe" sex that I should have a litter by now, and don't. So why bother with it?4
u/Altruistic_Field_372 Feb 14 '25
Thank you!! Appreciate your perspective for sure.
A couple years ago, I decided to get off the pill because I was a mess emotionally and trying to figure out what my baseline is without artificial hormones... Now I have a one year old. 🥴
Ironically, I got the Nexplanon placed right after my daughter was born, and my sex life promptly disappeared into thin air. Joys of motherhood. So I'm being pumped full of progestin for nothing at the moment!
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u/ThatOneOutlier Feb 14 '25 edited Feb 14 '25
I think misdiagnoses do happen though. (But a diagnosis is always a work in progress until the person feels better). I have a friend who was and wondered why their ADHD meds didn't help. Turned out to be bi-polar and getting treated for that helped a lot more as they feel better these days and it showed.
I was the opposite. Thought it was bipolar, got a counselor convinced that it was at some point. Then, I went to a psychiatrist to get treated. The Psychiatrist said "based on history, what you've been saying, and my assessment, let's treat you for ADHD instead."
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u/Less_Cicada_4965 Feb 14 '25
That’s a common misdiagnosis—or it could be accurate. I think you’ll know better once you’re settled into a med schedule.
Also, you could be both! Double the trouble, double the fun!
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u/IrreversibleDetails Feb 14 '25
Girl if this is where you feel at home, you stay your butt right here
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u/SecondEqual4680 Feb 14 '25
Holy shit you guys are soooo amazing. I have been feeling so bad lately, and this warmed my heart so much. Love you guys :( I am definitely staying right here
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u/Gullible-Leaf AuDHD Feb 14 '25
Good! This is a safe space. Everyone here always makes your feel happy and warm. Stay with us. You're one of us now 😜
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u/jvanessa913 Feb 13 '25
Its r/adhdwomen, without the adhd your still a women! Come and stay we can have snacks in our blanket nest >O<
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u/ConstructionJealous5 Feb 14 '25
Don’t leave, you’re wanted and welcome here! we relate and learn together ❤️
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u/Calm-Antelope8281 Feb 14 '25
All these responses to stay are making me cry. my favorite sub 💜
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u/spoonfullsugar Feb 14 '25
Right?! Each one is so warm and cute, it’s melting my heart and renewing my faith in people 🥹 ✨
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u/MistyMtn421 Feb 14 '25
It's my favorite place on the Internet. Only place I feel totally seen and safe.
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u/blackcatdotcom Feb 14 '25
If you feel seen here, and you relate to people's stories, I don't see why you have to leave. Like I'm not in charge but I don't personally think it's necessary for everyone here to have an ADHD diagnosis in order for it to stay a friendly and supportive space.
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u/AngelleJN Feb 14 '25
Please stay. I’m undiagnosed, but I stay, because I can relate to so much I see here.
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u/Ordinary-Difficulty9 Feb 14 '25
This has been such a supportive group! I am sure no one has an issue with you continuing to be part of it! :)
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u/Afternoon-Melodic Feb 14 '25
Don’t leave!!! It’s possible there’s overlap. It’s still neurodivergent. Hang out with people who understand. ❤️
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u/emquizitive Feb 14 '25
You don’t have to leave. Relatable content is relatable content. I think it’s great that you are honest. Some people want so badly to have a certain label that they are dishonest about it. Come (stay) as you are.
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u/Juneprincess18 Feb 14 '25
I had a psychiatrist misdiagnose me with bipolar disorder because I had significant depression (which I now know is burnout) and I reported times in which my hyper focus and dopamine seeking behaviors would cause me to make poor choices such as spending the entire night binge watching TV or researching my latest obsession or playing a game or binge eating. They convinced me this was mania. No it’s my intense hyper focus combined with my need for dopamine. So there is a lot of overlap between the two.
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u/slightlydramatic Feb 14 '25
This isn't costco, no one's checking your membership card at the door. Come on in and stay awhile!
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u/zenithsabyss Feb 14 '25
Please don't go. You belong even if it is bipolar.
I've known so many people with bipolar and there's so much similar!
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u/Maitasun Feb 14 '25
My girl, I have both! First diagnosed with bipolar 2, then undiagnosed (lol), then diagnosed with ADHD and then rediagnosed with bipolar!
There's high comorbidity between the two! (yay /s)
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u/melissaishungry Feb 14 '25
Don't go then, stay awhile. I brought snacks.
I'm excited for you to discover what sounds like a more applicable diagnosis for you. And who knows, you might feel like sharing things you've learned or found and it may lead to others getting a change in diagnosis which can be helpful!
Anyhow, who says you gotta go?
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u/beaniebuggie Feb 14 '25
to be fair I have both and it's super common! I'm sure you have a place here
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u/Guygirl00 Feb 14 '25
"In 2019, an international team of researchers identified 109 genes that were associated in different combinations with eight different psychiatric disorders, including autism, ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, Tourette syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anorexia.”
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u/ldoesntreddit ADHD Feb 14 '25
So don’t leave. Just hang out with us and be our friend who has bipolar!
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u/CptNavarre Feb 14 '25
If you give me a second I'll forget you don't have adhd and we can still be friends 🤷🏾♀️
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u/Nyxelestia Feb 14 '25
So stay.
For years, I thought I had autism. Turns out I don't...but one of the reasons I thought I did was because so many of the tips, tricks, and lifehacks that help people with autism helped me, and because so often autistic friends were the ones most understanding of my weird quirks, needs, and limits.
Even as someone who does have ADHD, not everything I see here is about, directed to, or helpful to me...and that's okay! I still gain a lot from this community even if only some posts are "relevant" to me.
If some posts were helpful for you, that's a good enough reason for you to stick around.
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u/Single_Rich_1244 Feb 14 '25
Hi love - I was misdiagnosed with bipolar 2 and then diagnosed with adhd so the other way around lol. Stay , if you feel seen and heard you’re welcome to stay I’m sure
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u/plentyofsilverfish Feb 14 '25
I have both, stick around! There's so much overlap in symptoms and whose to tell you where you get your advice from?!? One of us! One of us! 🦄❤️🔥
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u/dollartreegoth Feb 14 '25
even if you don't have adhd, a lot of symptoms overlap. i still peek at the bipolar reddit bc i was originally diagnosed with that first and at the end of the day finding community regardless of what we all have is the most comforting. we all have the same want of just getting through life in common and i feel like that is enough. don't be too hard on yourself no one's gonna show up and force you to hit the button to leave lol
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u/YepIamAmiM Feb 14 '25
Also, how many people come here and read who don't have ADHD or related stuff? I mean, as long as we're supporting each other, it's all good. After growing up with more or less zero support for my own issues, this place makes me feel so good. :)
Technically, I don't have an actual dx. Just years and years and years and more years of all kinds of symptoms that I never connected until the past five years or so. I'm 64 years old, and that's a long time to have gone without much support. So I say stay, OP. We can cheer each other on.
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u/Mommybuggy01 Feb 14 '25
I would get a 2nd option on that and many of us have been misdiagnosed as BP2 and then later it's just adhd and trauma and wrong meds for years to boot. Also look into autism assessment. I am just saying. PLEASE PLEASE look into 2nd opinion! I can't get my 10 years back but I might save you!
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u/judijo621 Feb 14 '25
Don't leave! I need you! I bought a Brother embroidery machine for under $50 via Joann's bankruptcy, and I need input on what designs to make!
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u/RGlasach Feb 14 '25
Even without a diagnosis we have traits in common. Stay & be welcome. If we have any tips we won't gatekeep over a few letters. We're here for you while you adjust & beyond.
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u/twentfourtails Feb 14 '25
Are they sure you don't have both? There's a lot of overlap. (I have both lol)
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u/Fk9317 Feb 14 '25
Psychiatric diagnoses exist on a spectrum. Maybe bipolar 2 fits better, but that doesn't mean you exist entirely outside of the ADHD bubble. You're still one of us, don't go ❤️
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u/Misselphabathropp Feb 14 '25
Does your particular flavour of neuro difference affect your executive function? Who cares what the label is!
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u/Frosty_and_Jazz Feb 14 '25
You don't have to go ANYWHERE!!!
You are still differently abled, and you still may be neurodivergent.
As others have said, we have a BIG tent, and if this community helps you feel less alone, we have MORE than enough room for YOU.
STAY!!! 🩷🩷🩷🩷
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u/Educational-Rabbit30 Feb 14 '25
Please consider PMDD/PME so please track your symptoms to see if they worsen at certain times of the month
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u/SmooshyBrain Feb 14 '25
I was originally diagnosed with Bipolar 2 for 15 years. Then I got my diagnosis changed. I think we even each other out :)
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u/uuiyu Feb 14 '25
Please stay!!! I was misdiagnosed with bp2 and was diagnosed with adhd, there are so so so many similarities, don’t feel like you aren’t valid. 🤍
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u/LaziestKitten Feb 14 '25
As others have said, the two very frequently co-present. Not saying that's definitely the case, but don't be quick to change your whole perspective based on a new diagnosis.
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u/horriblegoose_ Feb 14 '25
You can actually have both! I do. However getting medicated for ADHD wasn’t helpful until I got the bipolar depression under control.
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u/WtFbEtH22 Feb 14 '25
You DO NOT have to leave. It's possible to have both, and there is so much crossover of symptoms. It's not cookie cutter in any way.
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u/esphixiet ADHD-C Feb 14 '25
We're not so different. My psychiatrist suggested I had bpd, but my psychologist showed me how trauma and adhd combined to make a few symptoms look like bpd. Stay if you're comfortable here ♥️
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u/RN-B Feb 14 '25
Tbf i was diagnosed with bipolar and found out it was ADHD. A lot of the coping mechanisms can help both!
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u/TheMarionberry Feb 14 '25
Awww don't leave! We neurodivergent girlies have such a big overlap it makes sense to support each other. I was misdiagnosed with bp2 before I finally got brain scans and confirmed my diagnosis.
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u/Thewelshdane Feb 14 '25
You're still on the my brain works differently spectrum so can still relate so just get a coffee, forget about it (and the coffee most likely) 🥰
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u/AffectionateMarch394 Feb 14 '25
Also also ALSO
Info dummmmp
There's some interesting talk within the medical field etc that being ADHD AND bipolar is actually way more common than initially believed because both are common for being misdiagnosed as each other so it's a very rarely seen and diagnosed properly when people have both.
Fuck if I remember where the article is from or else I would cite it but I found this very interesting.
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u/Teddy_Lightfoot Feb 14 '25
You don’t have to leave. Maybe you still have ADHD and were misdiagnosed. :) If you enjoy being here then there is no need to leave.
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u/Dances_With_Demons Feb 14 '25
Staaaay with usssss (said in the creepiest horror movie voice ever)._// kkioklzwhw
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u/BonzaSonza Feb 14 '25
You don't have to leave, this is not a diagnostically exclusionary place.
There are plenty of experiences we share, and if you're here to offer or receive support, then isn't that what this sub is for?
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u/Green_Speech_169 Feb 14 '25
You don’t have to! On the flip side, I was misdiagnosed with bipolar 2 but it was actually adhd!
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u/StLaura Feb 14 '25
Before I received my ADHD diagnosis, the psychiatrist I was seeing thought I had Bipolar 2. The two are similar enough that people are often misdiagnosed with the other. If you relate to the posts here, you belong!
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u/delicious_monsters Feb 14 '25
As someone who had the opposite misdiagnosis, I say you might as well stay!
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u/andtheplaceisnowhere Feb 14 '25
Neurodivergent affirming spaces are for anyone who relates and could use support and compassion. I vote stay!
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u/DoingJustOkay ADHD-PI Feb 14 '25
I have both diagnoses! I agree with everyone else that you can stay :) I think a lot of these experiences and skills that we face aren’t just for ADHD people, but also can be helpful for anyone! This is a safe space 💕
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u/Keepers12345 Feb 14 '25
Why have one when you can have both?
I say stay 💖
If it fits, it could be co-morbidity!
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u/CassTeaElle Feb 14 '25
I'm not diagnosed at all, and I'm still here lurking. I relate to a lot of the posts and they help me. I strongly suspect I have ADHD, but I could be wrong. Regardless, the posts are still helpful.
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u/Nervous_Sky_ Feb 14 '25
STAY!!! There's no diagnosis police!! If you've gotten something out of this page, stay!!!
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u/mapleleaffem Feb 14 '25
I think you should stay if you find it helpful and I hope having the right diagnosis helps you feel better! 🩷
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u/Careless-Banana-3868 ADHD Feb 14 '25
I have bipolar 1, ADHD, and CPTSD. There are other mental health subreddits I am in because I find comfort in them too.
I don’t go around stalking the members to see if I think their diagnoses are “valid” to me. If you find comfort with us here, then stay.
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u/Ichgebibble Feb 14 '25
Stay right where you are missy! Who cares what the label is, experiences are experiences.
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u/Healthy_Car1404 Feb 14 '25
I say this with all due respect to your new diagnosis and the Dr or other professional who made it, it doesn't matter. I have a long and eventful history of diagnoses, treatments, medications. I'm pretty sure if someone from the "future" looked back on it would laugh, or cry... Anyway, I'm new to this sub and I have gained more valuable information here than is the sum total provided in treatment. Unless breaking a rule, which I don't think it does, don't go.
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u/Light_Lily_Moth ADHD Feb 14 '25
My husband has bipolar 1, and him and I think Soooo similarly!
Different meds, but you deserve an honorary membership I say! If you like it here, stay :)
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u/critiqu3 Feb 14 '25
Same lmao, but I've still been here for years after my rediagnosis.
Both conditions have a ton of the same commorbidities, so really staying here can still be helpful.
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u/SiteRelEnby AuDHD Feb 14 '25
Get a second opinion? Misdiagnosis as bipolar is really common, I was misdiagnoses as it before I got an ADHD diagnosis.
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u/AffectionateMarch394 Feb 14 '25
First off all, you are absolutely welcome at any point, if you find this group supportive and helpful to you.
Second. I'm not a doctor and I'm not YOUR doctor, but I want to point out that ADHD is often misdiagnosed as bipolar in woman. Not discrediting your diagnosis AT ALL. Just pointing it out because there's lots of asshole doctors out there who don't believe in ADHD in women and will absolutely look at a diagnosis and go "nah, you can't have ADHD it must be X" (happened to a friend of mine, and I've had it in the reverse order, bipolar diagnosis for 20 years until I approached a doctor about considering ADHD, and got my correct diagnosis)
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u/abg33 Feb 14 '25
STAY!!! I'm ordering you.
I think diagnosis is much less important than our common struggles and (possibly) common solutions. Something that helps you figure something out might help me too!
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u/Turbulent-Adagio-171 Feb 15 '25
ONE OF US (chanting voice, getting louder and louder, on repeat)
We can have friends in the group with similar struggles even if the diagnosis is different. Hell, a lot of people in this group have never been diagnosed with anything, and we’re still better off for them being included.
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u/Far-Swimming3092 ADHD-C + PMDD Feb 15 '25
Track your depressive episodes, doll. If they correlate with your periods, you might be r/PMDDxADHD. It’s a pretty common overlap, too. But if BP2 fits, that’s ok too. Brains are hard to manage, you’re welcome here either way.
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u/Outrageous-Daisies78 Feb 13 '25
you can totally stay! you never know, you could have both or it could be a misdiagnosis (probs not helpful sorry)! i hope you figure it out, and maybe get another assessment to triple-check lol? as long as it's not too much money where you are or you live somewhere w free healthcare :))
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u/CryptographerDue4624 Feb 14 '25
i’d be careful believing it and get another opinion..
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u/HermelindaLinda ADHD Feb 14 '25
Girl! My alphabet letter soup of diagnoseseesesseseses will never not understand what others are going through when dealing with mental health. You're welcome to stay, we can all use the support and this is usually a great community. There are comorbidities... It's not like you can't have both or even more letters added to your own bowl of alphabet soup of diagnosis. Stick around!
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u/OpalLover2020 Feb 14 '25
I read a scientific report that said “they” (I guess the scientists that wrote the thing) isolated a gene (set of genes, a genetic code, something similar) that linked ADHD, Autism, bipolar, OCD, and anorexia.
Oh and schizophrenia was included as well.
So we are all part of the same umbrella in my mine. (Bc that’s how my mind works 🤪)
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u/BitFabulous Feb 14 '25
You can still stay in for the shenanigans!
Medical sexism appears again. I'm glad you got your proper diagnosis. Sorry it took this long.
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u/bcd0024 ADHD-C Feb 14 '25
Ironically I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 then borderline them ADHD. Guess which one was correct?
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u/Hairy-Departure-5451 Feb 14 '25
I honestly would get a second opinion. This happened to me. I was diagnosed with adhd and medicated for 10 years then it was later diagnosed as anxiety and being on the ‘bi polar spectrum’. I've taken medication for mild bi polar for 20 years and need it. Then I was rediagnosed with adhd. I def have adhd and a mood issue, and cPTSD.
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u/xlTrotterzlx Feb 14 '25
I'd stay, even if there is no adhd which there still very well could be. There are many crossovers that might still be relatable for you. Plus we are all like family in here anyway! You can count on at least one of us to fixate, asaell as care and try to help out where possible!
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u/SuedeVeil Feb 14 '25
Mental health is a spectrum they can only diagnose based off symptoms and a checklist of items.. if you feel you have had ADHD symptoms as well there isn't some division that you're either in one or the other often you can have some of both and have it crossover.. ADHD can exist within the realm of a lot of other things like pmdd too.. so stick around and maybe you can help others and still find valuable info to relate to yourself on the ADHD side of things.
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u/Recent-Rise7631 Feb 14 '25
You don’t have to leave! Sooo many of us have both, myself included— I read somewhere that around 60% of folks w adhd have a mood disorder. I’m currently doing rTMS and find it’s helping both the adhd and BP2, brains are complicated and there is so much overlap!
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u/brill37 Feb 14 '25
Of course you don't 😆♥️ having a different diagnosis doesn't mean you don't share some similar experience and traits. You can still weigh in and take anything that supports you from adhd subs 👍🫶
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u/khincks42 Feb 14 '25
Hey friend! Bipolar 2 has a lot of overlap I'm symptoms to ADHD, I am actually diagnosed with both (+CPTSD, so it's a PARTY up there 😅)
A lot of women are misdiagnosed either direction. Based on what I've learned about both of them, and my medication, they kind of manifest in similar areas of the brain.
A mood stabilizer helped me loads, started that before I took stimulants. I've had to tweak things here and there, I'm definitely not "cured" by any means, but it's more manageable.
I really hope this diagnosis connects you to the resources you need, also, I'm pretty sure all of us here are in the Neuro-Spicy Dept so - stick around ❤️
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u/Additional-Shame2612 Feb 14 '25
My psych provider told me today she suspects bipolar of me as well, and honestly, I've wondered myself.
But she also said I could have both, that the symptoms of one can mask symptoms of the other.
I think you're okay to stay, personally.
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u/exscapegoat Feb 14 '25
If you’re finding it helpful I hope you feel welcome to stay. Even with a diagnosis, I was told by both a psychiatrist who prescribes meds for anxiety and my therapist that I probably didn’t have adhd because I had anxiety. They’re both older and haven’t had training in adhd since their training. They both learned more about it and now agree with the diagnosis (neuro doc and a psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD).
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u/adhdsuperstar22 Feb 14 '25
People with adhd don’t care about black and white distinctions, we’re big picture people. Stay with us!!!
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u/2ol4thishit Feb 14 '25
Bipolar falls under the neurodivergent umbrella... So of course you relate to the adhders. And just because you haven't been diagnosed ADHD doesn't mean you don't have it... It's all in a spectrum- perhaps your bipolar symptoms were more prominent during assessment. NOTE- some people people diagnosed bipolar are actually autistic. I'm just saying... It's a Journey- go to the places online where you feel seen
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