Bipolar disorder in late life: future directions in efficacy and effectiveness research

There is a dearth of knowledge regarding the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder in late life. Based on a review of the current research on bipolar disorder in late life, emerging areas of research were identified: 1) methodological challenges in diagnosing bipolar disorder; 2) a lack of guidelines for the treatment of bipolar disorder in late life; 3) increased prevalence of general medical comorbidities; and 4) a need to improve access to care and social support services. The current literature regarding bipolar disorder in late life suggests the need for more rigorous studies on accuracy in diagnoses, etiology and risk factors, and efficacy studies on pharmacotherapy treatment options. However, effectiveness studies that focus on translating research into practice also are needed, particularly strategies to monitor and improve the quality of care in routine settings and better coordinated medical, psychiatric, and social services for older adults with bipolar disorder.