Can autism be confused with bipolar?

Can autism be confused with bipolar?

Some studies have found that as many as 27 percent of those with autism also have symptoms of bipolar disorder. By contrast, its prevalence in the general population is around 4 percent. However, we believe that bipolar disorder is mistakenly over-diagnosed in those with autism.

How can you tell the difference between bipolar and autism?

Bipolar disorder might or might not have a developmental connection. Bipolar disorder formerly called manic depression is characterized by severe mood swings, rapid changes in energy levels, and functioning. Whereas Autism is characterized by difficulty in speech, communication, social skills, and behavior.

Why is autism misdiagnosed as bipolar?

Misdiagnosis and diagnosis. Doctors sometimes mistakenly diagnose autistic people with bipolar disorder because both conditions share some similar behavioral differences. Overlapping behavioral differences between ASD and bipolar disorder include: elevated or depressed mood.

Do I have Aspergers or bipolar?

The big difference between Asperger’s and bipolar is the manic stage. Individuals with Asperger’s will always want to talk about their topic. They may not have that aggravation or anxiety associated with it, whereas someone in the manic stage might.”

Can Aspergers be confused with bipolar?

Kimberly Baker, who studies communication disorders. When it comes to Asperger’s, “Individuals can get engrossed in a particular topic. This can be confused with the creativity that sets in during the hypomania phase of the bipolar person.

What mental illness is similar to autism?

Examples include:

• Avoidant personality disorder.
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Reactive attachment disorder.
• Social (pragmatic) communication disorder.
• Schizophrenia, which rarely happens in children.

What is an autistic meltdown like?

Common signs of a meltdown include hand flapping, head hitting, kicking, pacing, rocking, hyperventilating, being unable to communicate, and completely withdrawing into myself. All of these behaviours are methods of coping.