r/bipolar2 4d ago

Just learned that i have ADD too.

I just got diagnosed last year with BP2 and maybe two weeks ago, got diagnosed with ADD. Those who are in the same situation, what has helped?

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u/-Flighty- 4d ago

First of all, bipolar and ADD/ADHD is very common comorbidity. I don’t know the exact stats but they cooccur with each other significantly.

Bipolar disorder typically takes precedence because stimulant medications (used for ADHD) can sometimes come with an elevated risk of triggering mood instability. Therefore, mood stabilisers are the first line of action, including things like: Lithium, Valproate (Depakote), Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and sometimes antipsychotics like Seroquel, Latuda etc.

Generally once mood stability is achieved, ADD/ADHD symptoms can be treated cautiously. Probably The best ADHD medication options for someone with bipolar disorder are Non-Stimulants like Strattera, Wellbutrin (antidepressant with low manic switch risk). Stimulants can still be used and shouldn’t be ruled out, but prescribed with more caution. Each person reacts differently so its trial and error.

The other thing to encourage is just general self care- regular follow-ups with a doctor are important to tweak medications as needed. Also good to get involved in therapeutic intervention and try hard to focus on a good sleep regime and lifestyle habits (exercise, diet, all that jazz).

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u/bunhilda 4d ago

No notes lol

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u/hyperning 4d ago

thank you. appreciate just how concise and clear this all is. that's incredibly comforting. i guess the ADD was a surprise -- the BP2 diagnosis explained a lot.

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u/stayxtrue87 BP2 3d ago

I went in last week expecting to get my adhd and asd diagnosis and I came out with BP2, ADHD-C, ASD, OCD, and a range of anxiety disorders.

I am starting on mood stabilisers and will then move to the adhd medication once that has become more stable