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Bipolar disorder in late life: a review
S T Chen1, L L Altshuler, J E Spar
1Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90024, USA.
Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology
|August 1, 1998
Summary
Bipolar disorder in the elderly is understudied. Classifying late-life mania by onset, course, and family history may clarify its varied causes and improve diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Limited research exists on late-life bipolar disorder compared to depression in elderly or mania in younger patients.
- Existing data suggests classifying elderly mania by specific factors could illuminate its diverse origins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on the incidence and illness course of late-life bipolar disorder.
- To discuss diagnostic classification challenges and associated risk factors in elderly bipolar disorder.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on incidence, course of illness, and diagnostic classification of bipolar disorder in the elderly.
- Analysis of age of onset, natural course, family history, and pathophysiology in late-life mania.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests that late-life bipolar disorder is a heterogeneous syndrome.
- Classification based on clinical and etiological factors may be beneficial for understanding and managing the condition.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to address the paucity of information on bipolar disorder in the elderly.
- Improved diagnostic classification strategies are crucial for understanding the heterogeneous etiologies and managing late-life bipolar disorder effectively.