Topic Overview

Several conditions regularly occur along with bipolar disorder that at first may share some of the same features. Conditions that might be present along with bipolar disorder in children and adolescents include:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This is a behavioral condition in which people have trouble paying attention, may be more active than normal, and tend to act without thinking.
• Conduct disorder. This is a childhood or adolescent disorder that involves defiant behavior, such as violating social rules or hurting other people.
• Substance use disorder. This means repeated use of alcohol or drugs even though this use causes unpleasant or distressing events in a person’s life.
• Anxiety disorders. These are a type of mental illness in which severe anxiety interferes with a person’s life.

Although these conditions share similar symptoms, they are separate, distinguishable disorders. Each condition requires appropriate treatment.