ADHD vs Bipolar: Misdiagnosis, Medication, Truth About Psychiatric Evaluations | Dr. Pat Baumgart

In Episode 6 of the Real Mental Health podcast, Dr. Mike Mah is joined by psychiatrist Dr. Pat Baumgart to uncover the often-misunderstood realities of diagnosing ADHD and Bipolar Disorder.

Together, they break down:

The difference between ADHD and Bipolar symptoms

Why accurate diagnosis is crucial—and often overlooked

The truth about how psychiatric medications are prescribed

The role of clinical assessments vs. formal neuropsych testing

What it's like working as boots-on-the-ground psychiatrists

🎙 This is a must-watch episode for anyone navigating mental health treatment, wondering if they’ve been misdiagnosed, or seeking clarity on their own psychiatric journey.

🧠 Subscribe for more weekly episodes exploring the real side of mental health from professionals in the field.

00:00 Intro & Guest Introduction  
02:00 ADHD vs. Bipolar - Overview  
08:00 What is ADHD?  
15:00 Diagnosing ADHD Clinically  
22:00 Testing & Neuropsych Evaluations  
29:00 DSM Criteria & Symptoms  
35:00 ADHD in Adults: Real-World Impact  
45:00 Bipolar Disorder: Overview  
52:00 Differentiating Bipolar from ADHD  
1:00:00 Comorbidities & Common Misdiagnoses  
1:08:00 Treatment Strategies: ADHD  
1:15:00 Treatment Strategies: Bipolar  
1:22:00 Medication Considerations  
1:29:00 Cannabis, Sleep, and Mental Health  
1:36:00 Final Thoughts & Clinical Pearls