ADHD is a mental disorder that mental health professionals are still learning a great deal about. ADHD is characterized by the extended, rampant flow of thoughts and the inability to properly organize and be effective. ADHD falls under the category of executive function problems. Executive functions are responsible for organizational skills and the development of social skills. They are very important to a person’s ability to function in the world. When a person’s executive function skills are impaired, like in the case of a person with ADHD, they are unable to develop the ability to navigate the world properly.

ADHD is most commonly known for its high energy and rampant flow of thoughts. This may not mean that a person with ADHD expends an above average level of physical energy, although often times they do. It simply means that their brain can lock into a mode of rampant thought flow that they cannot shut down. This rampant flow of thoughts disrupts their ability to focus on anything else or to be fully present in their situation. This hinders their effectiveness and makes them less able to accomplish tasks, organize information and correctly assess situations.

ADHD also has many components that come with it. Because situations cannot always be correctly assessed, a person with ADHD may be prone to inappropriate emotional responses and unwarranted emotional reactions. This simply comes from misinterpretations of a situation. People with ADHD are frequently rejected by people who do not understand them, which is hurtful and confusing for a person with ADHD because they are merely functioning the way they know how to. This rejection often sets them into a pattern of reading social situations as rejection when they are not. For this reason, people often confuse ADHD with other conditions, such as bipolar disorder.

Depression and anger issues are common attributes of ADHD because living with ADHD often puts people at a disadvantage among society. They cannot execute tasks or assess situations like a person with average executive function can so they are frequently devalued and stigmatized.

Bipolar disorder is a commonly known disorder, but not a commonly understood one. The term “bipolar” is often used loosely in our culture to describe anyone who is unpredictable or prone to extremes. This is an inappropriate use of this term as bipolar is a complex, multifaceted condition that deeply affects the lives of those who possess it but does not undermine their value. Bipolar is frequently misunderstood as many other mental and personality disorders can resemble its traits. Knowing how to identify bipolar disorder takes a certain level of knowledge and education.

Bipolar disorder is characterized as the shifting back and forth between two different extremes of mood and disposition. A bipolar person will be very up and energetic for a time, then will crash into a very lethargic, depressed state. The upside of bipolar is referred to as mania. Mania is characterized by excessive confidence, intense energy, delusional thinking and impulsive behavior. During mania, a person thinks they are invincible and acts accordingly. This typically lasts for a matter of days or weeks, then the cycle reverses itself.

The downside of bipolar is known simply as depression. During a depressive state, a bipolar person feels like their life force has been sucked out of them. They are very lethargic, with little energy to be at all effective. They feel defeated, stuck, incapable and doomed. Their high functioning abilities leave them and they keep to themselves, showing very little connectivity to those around them. This state shows all the usual characteristics of the disorder depression.

Bipolar is a difficult thing to live with, but there is hope. Many people with bipolar receive treatment, take it seriously and learn to manage their symptoms enough that they can lead successful, functional lives. Medication and counseling are the most common forms of treatment for bipolar, and have proven to be the most successful in helping a person recover. Other forms of treatment include self help, support groups, meditation, inpatient treatment and Canadian rehabs. If you believe that you or someone you care about is struggling with bipolar disorder, seek help today.