Bipolar Disorders

The term older age bipolar disorder (OABD) is used to describe cases of bipolar disorder (BD) occurring among individuals who are ≥50 years in age. OABD accounts for almost 25% of all cases of bipolar disorder (BD). Individuals with OABD have lower family history of mood disorders, but greater association with cerebrovascular disease and other neurological disorders when compared to individuals with early-onset bipolar disorder (EOBD). The use of mental health services and inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations are four times greater among individuals with OABD when compared to age-matched controls. Medication classes that are commonly used to treat individuals with EOBD have also shown efficacy in the treatment of individuals with OABD. Benefits have also been noted for psychosocial treatments as adjunctive treatments with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) showing efficacy in refractory cases.