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New-onset bipolar disorder in later life
Martha Sajatovic1, Frederic C Blow, Rosalinda V Ignacio
1Dept. of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Cleveland, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. Martha.sajatovic@uhhs.com
Summary
Older adults with bipolar disorder are common in the VA. New-onset bipolar disorder patients utilize fewer health services than earlier-onset patients.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Bipolar Disorder Research
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Bipolar disorder affects a significant portion of older adults.
- Understanding differences in presentation and care is crucial for this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare clinical presentation, health service use, and psychotropic medication use in older adults (60+) with bipolar disorder.
- To differentiate between new-onset bipolar disorder (NOI) and earlier-onset bipolar disorder (EOI) in geriatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a large VA database including 16,330 patients aged 60 and older with bipolar disorder.
- Comparison of clinical variables and health resource utilization between NOI and EOI groups.
Main Results:
- 16,330 older adults (24.9%) had bipolar disorder in FY01.
- New-onset bipolar disorder (NOI) was identified in 6.1% of geriatric patients.
- Individuals with NOI showed less overall health resource utilization, including fewer outpatient and mental health visits, compared to EOI patients.
Conclusions:
- Bipolar disorder is prevalent in older VA patients and is a growing concern in non-VA populations.
- Older adults with bipolar disorder exhibit high health service use, including significant non-psychiatric inpatient care.
- Distinguishing between earlier- and new-onset bipolar disorder is vital for understanding illness presentation and healthcare needs.