The diagnoses of Bipolar Affective Disorder (BAD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can frequently be present concomitantly. The rates of comorbidity of the both disorders with Axis I and Axis II diagnoses are high. Overlapping symptoms and the possibility of observing these two disorders concomitantly have recently arisen the question, whether these two conditions are precursors or precursor symptoms of each other. The possible relationship between them is increasingly drawing attention in all age groups. Comorbidity of BAD/ADHD affects the course of the disease negatively, shortens the periods of well-being, increases exposure to negative life events, and decreases quality of life. It also increases occurrence of anxiety disorder and alcoholism. Currently, studies aimed to understand the relation between these two diseases are inadequate. In this article, similaraties and differences of BAD and Adult ADHD are reviewed according to the findings in epidemiologic studies, familial studies and neuroimaging studies.
Key words: Bipolar affective disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, comorbidit
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