What's the difference between giftedness and mental illness?

I have a theory that being a gifted child (and therefore a gifted adult) mimics or, at least consists of, mental illnesses; specifically bi-polar and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Characteristics of Gifted Children and Talented Children
and Possible Associated Problems

Characteristics of Gifted Children and Talented Children Gifted and talented children may:	Possible Associated Problems Gifted and talented children may:
Learn quickly and easily have the ability to abstract and reason critically; see relationships between ideas and events	Become bored and frustrated; dislike repetition and shallow curriculum; hide abilities to gain acceptance; receive negative adult attitudes to smartness
Exhibit verbal proficiency	Dominate discussion; have difficulty with listening skills; exhibit manipulative behaviour
Have a high energy level	Need less sleep; become frustrated with inactivity, lack of challenge or active inquiry
Exhibit heightened curiosity	Take on too many activities
Be extremely persistent; concentrate on tasks of high interest for extended periods	Disrupt class routine; feel stifled by restrictions; resist interruption or schedules; be perceived as stubborn, uncooperative
Exhibit different learning styles - accelerated: desiring mastery, achievement and/or - enriched: desiring depth of knowledge, the need to experience, emotional investment in subject, imagination	Become frustrated with absence of progress; be prone to being 'overdriven' and/or not be motivated by results; be resistant to interruption; be seen as time wasting or preoccupied
Exhibit unusual emotional depth and intensity	Be unusually vulnerable; feel confused if thoughts and feelings not taken seriously
Be highly sensitive; be acutely perceptive	Be perceived as immature; try to mask feelings to conform; be vulnerable to criticism
Be concerned with adult/moral issues; be idealistic	Attempt unrealistic reforms; feel frustrated, angry. Depressed; develop a cynical attitude; receive intolerance from age peers
Aim at perfection	Set unrealistically high goals; feel inadequate; feel frustrated with others; fear failure, inhibiting attempts in new areas
Exhibit independence, nonconformity	Have a tendency to challenge and question indiscreetly; have difficulty with rigid conformity; may be penalised; exhibit rebellious behaviour
Have heightened self awareness, feelings of being different	Experience social isolation; regard difference as bad, worthless, resulting in low self esteem
Have a keen sense of humour	Use humour inappropriately or to attack others; feel confused when humour not understood; feel rejected by others
Possess unusual imagination	Be seen as weird; feel stifled by lack of creative opportunities
Respond and relate to older children and adults	Experience social isolation; be seen as show off, odd, superior, critical; be rejected by older children

(Adapted from publications by Clark, Colangelo, Dalton and Whitmore,
by Marion Mackenzie for QAGTC inc.)

http://www.qagtc.org.au/

Signs and symptoms of Bipolar Illness:

Common signs and symptoms of mania include:

• Feeling unusually “high” and optimistic OR extremely irritable
• Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs about one’s abilities or powers
• Sleeping very little, but feeling extremely energetic
• Talking so rapidly that others can’t keep up
• Racing thoughts; jumping quickly from one idea to the next
• Highly distractible, unable to concentrate
• Impaired judgment and impulsiveness
• Acting recklessly without thinking about the consequences
• Delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases)

Common symptoms of bipolar depression include:

Feeling hopeless, sad, or empty. Irritability Inability to experience pleasure Fatigue or loss of energy Physical and mental sluggishness

Appetite or weight changes Sleep problems Concentration and memory problems Feelings of worthlessness or guilt Thoughts of death or suicide

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder symptoms:

Most people with obsessive-compulsive disorder fall into one of the following categories:

• Washers are afraid of contamination. They usually have cleaning or hand-washing compulsions.
• Checkers repeatedly check things (oven turned off, door locked, etc.) that they associate with harm or danger.
• Doubters and sinners are afraid that if everything isn’t perfect or done just right something terrible will happen or they will be punished.
• Counters and arrangers are obsessed with order and symmetry. They may have superstitions about certain numbers, colors, or arrangements.
• Hoarders fear that something bad will happen if they throw anything away. They compulsively hoard things that they don’t need or use.

To me there are so many similarities I have a hard time thinking that these things aren't hand in hand.