Hyperactivity or Mania: Examining the Overlap of Scales Measuring Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Bipolar Spectrum Disorders in an Assessment Context

摘要

Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) typically exhibit difficulty with concentration and restlessness. These symptoms are also commonly present in other psychiatric disorders and as such should be categorized accurately during psychodiagnostic screening and comprehensive assessments. Specifically, bipolar disorder symptomatology, especially mania symptoms (e.g., racing thoughts, impulsivity), can overlap with ADHD symptoms; however, ADHD and bipolar spectrum disorders are substantially different in onset and treatment trajectory. Thus, symptoms may be miscategorized within assessment tools and lead to possible misdiagnosis. The current study aimed to investigate the intersection of frequently administered psychopathology inventories designed to measure ADHD and bipolar spectrum symptoms. Data from 119 adult assessment-seeking individuals with concerns of ADHD were included in the analyses. Correlational results demonstrated moderate-to-strong associations among the different scales of ADHD and bipolar spectrum symptom measures. Regression models revealed the bipolar spectrum symptom scales accounted for significant variance in global indices of ADHD symptoms. Additionally, distinct ADHD symptoms explained significant variance in the bipolar spectrum symptom measures. Findings from the current study reinforce the importance of multimodal assessments and have clinical implications for enhancing measurement-based care and diagnostic clarity related to ADHD and bipolar spectrum disorders.