Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026
04:42
Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder
Published on: May 2, 2025
1.4K
Using Lithium in Older Age Bipolar Disorder: Special Considerations
Jocelyn Fotso Soh1, Sivan Klil-Drori2, Soham Rej2,3
1Geri-PARTy Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, Jewish General Hospital, Institute of Community and Family Psychiatry, McGill University, 4333 Cote Ste-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1E4, Canada. jfs702@mun.ca.
Drugs & Aging
|January 8, 2019
Summary
Lithium effectively treats bipolar disorder in older adults, showing efficacy in mania and hypomania. While side effects are possible, lithium is generally well-tolerated and remains the gold-standard treatment for older age bipolar disorder (OABD).
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Mental Health
Background:
- Lithium is the established treatment for bipolar disorder.
- Its use and impact in older adults with bipolar disorder (OABD) require further understanding.
- Older populations may have unique responses and tolerability considerations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence on lithium's efficacy and tolerability in older adults with bipolar disorder.
- To synthesize findings from recent studies and guidelines.
- To identify gaps in knowledge and future research directions.
Main Methods:
- A critical narrative review of studies published before May 2018.
- Literature search using PubMed with keywords: "lithium older adult bipolar disorder".
- Inclusion of references from international bipolar disorder guidelines and a specific randomized controlled trial (GERI-BD).
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests lithium is effective for mania and hypomania in late-life bipolar disorder.
- A small but growing body of evidence supports lithium's use in OABD.
- Lithium is generally well-tolerated in older adults, with manageable adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- Lithium remains the gold-standard treatment for older age bipolar disorder (OABD).
- Existing evidence supports its efficacy and generally good tolerability in this population.
- Further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base for lithium therapy in OABD.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Bipolar Disorder
742
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition marked by significant mood fluctuations, including episodes of mania and depression. Elevated energy levels, heightened mood or irritability, impulsive behavior, reduced sleep needs, rapid speech, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, and distractibility characterize mania. Individuals with bipolar disorder often alternate between depressive and manic states, with periods of emotional stability lasting an average of six months to a year.
742
01:13Special considerations while measuring pulse
957
Assessing a patient's pulse is a fundamental skill in healthcare, but certain situations require special attention:
957
01:19Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation
967
Assessing respiratory rate concurrently with pulse measurement is fundamental to patient care, providing valuable insights into the patient's respiratory function. The normal breathing rate for an adult usually falls within a normal range of 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Abnormal respiratory rates can signal underlying health conditions or the need for immediate intervention.
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is...
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is...
967
01:28Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
1.3K
When assessing blood pressure (BP), healthcare professionals must consider various factors and potential unexpected outcomes to ensure accurate readings and provide proper patient care. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to achieving the most reliable results.
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
1.3K
01:22Design Consideration
573
Designing a structure involves a series of considerations, primarily the material's ultimate strength, calculated through tests that measure changes under increased force until the material reaches its breaking point or limit. The ultimate load, where the material breaks, is divided by its original cross-sectional area, resulting in the ultimate normal stress or strength. The ultimate shearing stress is another significant factor taken into account.
The factor of safety is another key...
The factor of safety is another key...
573
01:13Special Staining Techniques
1.2K
Specialized staining techniques play a vital role in microbiology by enabling the visualization of specific bacterial structures that remain undetectable with standard microscopy methods. These techniques not only enhance the structural visualization of bacterial cells but also provide critical insights into their pathogenicity and classification. Additionally, they support diagnostic and research endeavors in microbiology by identifying key bacterial features.Capsule Staining for Virulence...
1.2K