Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 10/12/2006

Question
Is it possible for two people to be a couple who one has bipolar and the other had ADD? My friend has bipolar and i have Add.She says that it's not heathy for us to be together for the simple fact that it collides with each other.Could you give us an insight of what what they both mean and if we'd be better off being the friends we are.Plus we both would love as much imformation on both subjects.I pretty much grew up with ADD and she did with bipolar..Thank you for your time..

Answer
Hi Henry:

Bipolar Disorder and ADD share many of the same characteristics.  You might want to do a search for Dr. Charles Popper.  He created a list of traits common in both disorders and compares both.  Many professionals have found this comparison helpful.

There is no reason the two of you can't make it work as a couple, especially if you are already friends.  The key is to make sure you both have your individual disorder under control first.  Unless that control is in place, any relationship--not just with each other--could suffer.

Start your learning with the above mentioned paper, then do a search for both disorders.  NAMI offers wonderful information on both.

I wish you both luck.  Please feel free to contact me in the future should you have more specific questions.

                           Joyce A. Anthony