What are affective disorders?

Affective disorders (also known as mood disorders) are a group of mental illnesses whose main characteristic is a pathological change in mood, which can be elevated (manic, hypomanic), depressed (depressive) or fluctuating (circular). They typically also affect thinking, sleep, appetite and the ability to regulate emotions.

We will advise you on how to recognise these affective disorders and how to deal with them.

According to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the main affective disorders include:

• Depressive disorder (unipolar depression)

• Bipolar affective disorder (type I, type II, cyclothymia, rapid cycling, etc.)

• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

• Postpartum depression

• Dysthymia and cyclothymia

In some individuals, affective disorders may overlap with other diagnoses – most commonly anxiety disorders, personality disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders. In this article, we will take a closer look at ADHD and bipolar disorder, as they are among the most well-known and often misinterpreted disorders in society. It is also important to emphasise that although ADHD may have similar symptoms to affective disorders, it is a neurodevelopmental disorder.

ADHD and bipolar disorder: similarities and differences

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and bipolar disorder can have overlapping symptoms, which sometimes complicates diagnosis, especially in children and adolescents. However, these two disorders have different courses and treatment approaches.

Common features of ADHD and bipolar disorder

There are a number of common features, including:

• impulsivity,

• attention disorders,

• emotional instability,

• impaired interpersonal relationships,

• outbursts of irritation and anger,

• rapid frustration.

Key differences between ADHD and bipolar disorder

Although these disorders share common symptoms, there are many differences between them. 

 

 

In case of uncertainty, psychological tests, clinical interviews, questionnaires, or long-term monitoring of symptom development are used to determine a specific diagnosis.

Bipolar disorder in children and adults – diagnostic differences

Diagnosing bipolar disorder in children is more complicated than in adults because children have not yet developed a stable personality, experience and emotional regulation. In addition, atypical forms are more common in children.

Bipolar disorder in children

• It can be rapid-cycling in nature – very rapid mood swings, sometimes even within a single day.

• Manic episodes in children often manifest as extreme irritability and aggression, rather than classic euphoria.

• Children may be considered ‘naughty’, hyperactive or emotionally unstable.

• It is sometimes difficult to distinguish it from ADHD or other behavioural disorders.

• Depressive episodes tend to be less recognisable, especially in younger children.

Diagnosis requires repeated clinical interviews, monitoring over time, and information from the school environment and family. Treatment often involves a combination of pharmacotherapy (mood stabilisers) and family psychoeducation.

Bipolar disorder in adults:

• We typically distinguish between type I (manic + depressive episode) and type II (hypomanic + depressive episode).

• Episodes last longer (days to weeks) and have a clearly defined beginning and end.

• Symptom-free phases (euthymia) are common.

Diagnosis is usually easier because patients are better able to describe their inner experiences. Treatment is predominantly a combination of medication (mood stabilisers, antidepressants with caution, antipsychotics) and psychotherapy.

 

Distinguishing ADHD from bipolar disorder can be challenging, but it is definitely key to proper treatment. In addition, bipolar disorder has a different clinical picture in children than in adults, as the typical euphoria is often absent, while irritability and rapid mood cycling dominate. Correct diagnosis in children is usually based on careful observation, a multidisciplinary approach and the involvement of the family. However, it is still true that early and accurate diagnosis can significantly affect the patient's quality of life.

 

Whatever the mental health issue, if you notice any of the above symptoms or similar ones in yourself or your loved ones, it is best to consult your doctor or contact our experts directly.

Sources:

https://www.who.int/standards/classifications/classification-of-diseases

https://mkn10.uzis.cz/?term=afektivn%C3%AD%20porucha&limit=10&page=1&sort=2

https://mkn10.uzis.cz/o-mkn

https://www.solen.cz/artkey/psy-201403-0005_Diagnostika_a_farmakoterapie_ADHD_v_dospelosti.php

https://www.wikiskripta.eu/w/Hyperkinetick%C3%A9_d%C3%ADt%C4%9B

https://www.wikiskripta.eu/w/Bipol%C3%A1rn%C3%AD_porucha