Unlocking the Difference: Mania vs ADHD - Understanding the Distinct Symptoms and Diagnosis

Key Takeaways

<...>

Characteristic	Mania	ADHD
Primary symptoms	Elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, talkativeness, distractibility, increased self-esteem, excessive involvement in activities	Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity
Mood	Elevated, irritable, or expansive	Variable, may include irritability, anxiety, or depression
Energy and activity level	Increased energy, restlessness, agitation	Hyperactivity, fidgeting, restlessness
Thought patterns	Racing thoughts, flight of ideas, grandiosity	Distractibility, disorganization, difficulty sustaining focus
Impulsivity	Impulsive decisions, reckless behavior, excessive spending	Impulsive actions, interrupting others, blurting out answers
Sleep patterns	Decreased need for sleep, insomnia	Difficulty falling asleep, daytime fatigue
Social behavior	Increased social behavior, talkativeness, intrusive behavior	Social difficulties, peer rejection, difficulty with social cues
Focus and attention	Distractibility, lack of focus, inability to complete tasks	Differentiation difficulty, difficulty sustaining focus