ADHD, bipolar,Schizophrenia, is there a genetic connection?

I have wondered if Bipolar and Schizophrenia are connected genetically with ADHD.  I have two eldery Aunts (My Moms Sisters) who were both diagnosed in thier late 20's with Schizoprenia. However, they have changed the diagnosis for one Aunt, first she was called manic depressive, and now it's bipolar.  They have both been hospitalized many times throughout the years, but it was always a taboo subject so consequently we have little information, other than a few incidents that  have been witnessed at different family gatherings.
I am 51 years old and I have every symptom of ADD, (although I have never been diagnosed) I have recognized the same symptoms in my oldest son since he was a child.(he is now 30) His behavior recently has bordered on the bipolar side, with severe temper outbursts, which, is not usual for him.    I am thinking of the family history and can't help but wonder if there is a connection to any of this? Sorry for such a long question.

[Momtoteenboys]

I am not sure if ADHD is connected to the other two, but its seems like if someone was manic (as in bipolar or manic/depression, they might be considered hyperactive and it could be misdiagnosed.

[angelzbaby]

this is what they are now saying about my son that his diagnoses of ADHD has changed to Bipolar

[Momtoteenboys]

In my opinion, soome people are mistakenly given diagnoses of ADHD when that behavior is really part of another problem- like bipolar or many autism spectrum disorders.  I don't think its really that people are both ADHD and autistic or bipolar, but so many traits are part of the second, they might mistakenly be labeled ADHD first and then that isnt changed, just more labels are added on.

[shellie704]

i was diagnosed with adhd as a kid now im 17 and i have symptoms of schizoprenia i couldnt tell how i thought to my doctor or when i was reffered to the gables and they couldnt either but i have been reading on the internet and i have alot of the symptoms can you please help me????

[Daddyslookingout]

I have a question and need your help. I have 4 beautiful boys, they all range from 3 years old to 11 years old. My 10 year old boy was initially diagnose with ADHD at age of 6. He was on medications back then, but now, they have him on (Concentra and Clonidine). I just found out that he is hearing voices. The Dr. keeps referring them to as "your conscious". Now my 7 year old boy has been stating the same thing. They have lived apart for the last couple years so they don't really talk about their symptoms and that's how i know that they are not feeding from each other. Mom has been diagnose with Depression and no other family history of mental illness. Dad has no history of mental illness or in the family. Does anyone know if this could be early signs of a more serious illness than ADHD.???? I really need help or advised from anyone that could possibly help. Thank you for your time.  

[Sandman2]

  Make this a separate post.  Copy it and then also post in child behavior and child special needs forums.   Think you will get more responses that way.  My gut feeling is that the older boy has been influencing the younger one.

[jnav]

My brother was diagnosed w adhd and he has learning disabilites. He is now in a program that has not done any testings on him and has convinced him that he has schizophrania and bipolar. is this possible? Is there a connection between all 3? They have told him that since he is now 21yrsold he can no longer have adhd. Is this true?

[benjimom]

Bipolar diagnosis in young children is controversial.