# Comorbid ADHD and Bipolar Disorder - An Update

**Authors:** Gordon Parker

PMC · DOI: 10.1177/10398562251351448 · Australasian Psychiatry · 2025-06-13

## TL;DR

This paper updates the understanding of ADHD and bipolar disorder co-occurring and suggests managing bipolar disorder first before treating ADHD.

## Contribution

The paper emphasizes a sequential treatment approach for comorbid ADHD and bipolar disorder.

## Key findings

- ADHD and bipolar disorder show a stronger comorbidity than expected.
- A sequential treatment approach is preferred, starting with bipolar disorder management.

## Abstract

To note the strong comorbid link between ADHD and the bipolar disorders, consider candidate mechanisms and nominate a preferred management approach.

Comorbid ADHD and bipolar disorder is distinctly higher than expected if they are independent conditions and their linkage is capable of multiple explanations. In managing such states a sequential approach is favoured, with the bipolar condition being brought under control first before initiating any stimulant medication for the ADHD.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** ADHD (MONDO:0007743), bipolar disorder (MONDO:0004985)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Bipolar Disorder (MESH:D001714), ADHD (MESH:D001289)

## Full text

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## References

16 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12314209/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12314209