Tag: Bipolar 1

A visual titled “Misdiagnosis Monday: Bipolar vs. Autism” from the Neurodivergent Insights “Dr. Neff Misdiagnosis Monday Series.” It features a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting Bipolar and Autism, with a central “Overlap” section. Left circle – Bipolar: Often develops in late teens/early adulthood Classified as a mental health condition Mood changes are biological and cyclical and may involve psychosis* Reduced sleep but not tired* Inattention, restlessness, and distractibility are symptoms during manic/hypomanic episodes Stable routine helps stabilize mood Distinct bipolar experiences: presence of elation or grandiosity* (*During manic or hypomanic episodes) Right circle – Autism: Present since birth Classified as a neurodevelopmental condition (neurotype) Routine disruptions and sensory overwhelm can cause sudden mood changes Sleep difficulties contribute to fatigue Monotropic mind means the person may appear distracted, unfocused, and restless when attention is divided and not centered on area of interest Distinct autism experiences: special interests, difficulties with neurotypical social communication* Repetitive behaviors and self-soothes through use of routines Center – Overlap: Impulsivity Irritability Mood shifts common Episodes of mood elevation High co-occurrence of OCD Pacing and psychomotor agitation Episodes of excessive talking Concentration difficulties High rates of substance abuse, suicidality, self-harm High rates of victimization Sensory processing differences Energy fluctuations Footer text: “They can co-occur!” A disclaimer notes: “While this visualization captures common experiences, individual experiences vary. Please note that this diagram is not intended for diagnostic purposes. To learn more, visit neurodivergentinsights.com/misdiagnosis-monday.”

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