Bipolar Disorder in Older Adults: Symptoms And Treatments

10 Jun Bipolar Disorder in Older Adults: Symptoms And Treatments

Bipolar disorder also known as manic depression is a mental illness disorder that causes frequent mood swings.

Many individuals and their families understandably wonder: Does bipolar disorder get worse with age? Or,What age does bipolar peak?

This post will explore the factors that influence how a person with bipolar thinks, and will give tips on dealing with the challenges and chances that come with this condition.

So, let’s get started…

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness, serious and life-long causing manic -depressed life, with huge mania or hypomania episodes and depression also.

Bipolar disorder presents this as a huge problem due to its influence on symptoms of interpersonal relationships, occupational function and overall mental state.

There are different types of bipolar disorders:

• Bipolar I Disorder: Recurrent manic episodes (manic criterion for at least a week but often enough to result in hospitalization, delusional behaviour, or psychoses)
• Bipolar II Disorder: Hypomania cycles are less than complete manic episodes and depression mutes can range from days or weeks.
• Cyclothymic Disorder: Alternating periods for weeks to several months of hypomanic symptoms, in which neither full-blown mania, nor depressive symptoms meet criteria.

What Age Does Bipolar Start?

Bipolar disorder can develop at any age, but it most commonly appears during the late teens and early adult years.

According to National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports, the average age of onset is around 25 years old. However, bipolar disorder can also develop in childhood or later in adulthood, although this is less common.

Though most of the cases start at the age of 15-19 and the second most age range varies from 20-21.

However, there are also some cases where a person older than 50 years develops manic episodes.

Note: If you are an inhabitant of Bihar and suffering from this disorder, then do consult Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh who provides the best Bipolar disorder Treatment in Patna.

What Is End-Stage Bipolar Disorder?

End-stage bipolar disease is the latest form of the disease and presents most commonly in the elderly population, who have experienced more attacks throughout their lives.

In the end, symptoms become irreversible and significantly affect cognitive and physical functions.

Symptoms include the following:

• Infrequent and lasting mood episodes – Mania or depression can last for weeks and months, making it difficult to live life day to day.
• Acquisition of cognitive abilities – Usually reduced with loss of memory and difficulty in concentration resultantly making it extremely difficult to solve problems.
• Treatment resistance – Medications and therapy that once helped may no longer be effective, requiring frequent adjustments.
• Increased physical health issues – Chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic disorders may develop, worsening overall health.

At this stage, people need a lot of medical care, help from caregivers, and sometimes long-term treatment at a facility to stay safe and have a good quality of life.

Prevalence of Late-Onset Bipolar Disorder

The onset of bipolar disorder often occurs during the teenage years or while living young adult life.

However, in a few cases, bipolar disorder may be developed subsequent to age 50, with the term falling under that of “late onset bipolar disorder.”

It occurs in a small segment of the population, covering between 5% and 10% of all cases of bipolar disorder.

• Late-onset bipolar disorder is often ridiculous, as its symptoms may well be attributed to depression or dementia.
• Incorrect diagnosis – In cases of late-onset bipolar disorder, people often end-up with a wrong diagnosis, as symptoms often look like depression or dementia.
• Postponement in the treatment may aggravate the symptoms badly as this problem is left without diagnosis and treatment.
• High chance for the complication in medical terms – Older adults with bipolar disorder would have abundant physical health issues like hypertension, stroke, and impaired resolution.

The recognition and treatment of this condition are essential to prevent further complications and improve the quality of life of the patients.

Does Bipolar Disorder Get Worse with Age?

Bipolar disorder runs its entire course across a lifespan and is a long term mental disease with cycles alternately of manic depression.

Though treatment can ease symptoms, the course of this manifestation of the illness may change as people age.

Some patients will have fewer mood episodes with time but worsening of symptoms, cognitive deterioration, and treatment resistance.

Various biological, psychological and social issues play a role in how bipolar disorder gets worse over time as one gets older.

What Age Does Bipolar Get Worse?

Bipolar disorder does not get worse at a specific age for everyone. How it changes over time is different for each person.

However, studies show some common trends as people with bipolar disorder get older:

Possible Times of Change:

• Late teens and early adulthood (18-25): This is usually when bipolar disorder first appears. People may have more severe and frequent symptoms while they learn to manage their condition and find the right treatment.
• Middle adulthood (30-50): Some people may have more frequent depressive episodes or develop other conditions that make managing bipolar disorder harder.
• Older adulthood (60+): Research shows that older adults with bipolar disorder may have more mood episodes, focusing more on depression than mania. They might also face changes in thinking and have more interactions with other health issues and medications.

Research Findings on Bipolar Disorder and Aging

Bipolar disorder is not a static condition: the relationship between aging and the course of bipolar is complex, with study after study questioning whether psychological outcomes continue to deteriorate.

Many suggest that older adults with bipolar disorder may have hostility and lessen manic episodes but appear in longer depressive states.

Key Takeaways:

• Cognitive Impairment — Aging patients with bipolar disease are at heightened risk of cognitive dysfunction (memory loss, decreased ability to focus and less rapid decision-making) which affects their overall everyday life and independence.
• Developing Medical Problems — Bipolar Aging increases the risk of developing physical illness like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some metabolic features in older adults. The sum total of health issues, mental and physical, can cause lower overall health.
• Treatment Response Alteration — Over the years, what the body processes medications becomes changed which might contribute to the loss of efficacy of mood stabilizers, antidepressants and antipsychotics. It could necessitate many modifications in regard to medication and therapy.

These results serve to emphasize the need for long-term medical counselling and lifestyle change to achieve better management of bipolar disorder with advancing age.

Signs Bipolar Is Getting Worse

Bipolar disorder tends to get worse as time goes on without proper treatment, and without the right treatment ending at some point.

There are a few things to be aware of when it comes down the condition is getting worse:

• More Frequent and Severe Mood Flows — Manic or depressive phases become more infrequent and severe, leaving your capability to function compromised.
• Longer Duration of Mood Phases — This means that depressive and manic episodes could take a longer time to progress through, inhibiting your emotional recovery.
• Neuropsychological Decline — Memory loss, confusion and difficulty concentrating can all be symptoms which suggest the condition of bipolar is worsening, especially in elderly.
• Improvement of Medication Response — Decreased effect from medication, an individual is getting worse and not able to benefit well/against the diseases
• Increased Social Withdrawal and Isolation — As a person with disturbed bipolar disorder gets worse, they tend to detach from others, diminish in responsibilities and daily life activities.
• More Impulsive/ Risky Behaviors — These individuals may escalate inclined towards impulse, such as compulsive buying or substance abuse or bad decision making.
• Suicidal Thoughts or Self-Harm Tendencies — Severe depressive episodes can increase the risk of suicidal ideation or self-harm, requiring immediate intervention.

Recognizing these warning signs early can help in adjusting treatment plans and seeking professional support to prevent further deterioration.

How Bipolar Disorder Affects Older Adults?

As individuals with bipolar disorder age, they may face unique challenges that impact both mental and physical health.

Some of the key concerns include:

• Physical Health Risks — Physical health problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease are fairly common with bipolar disorder. Older adults: Everything is harder, including taking care of both mind & body health.
• Cognition — Onset of memory impairments and cognitive dysfunction are common in bipolar disorder, which reduces a person’s capability to live alone.
• Additional Social Isolation — There is a strong risk that elderly people suffering from bipolar disorder will become socially isolated and lonely as it can intensify depressive symptoms leading to hospitalization.
• Treatment Side Effects — Aging causes the body to absorb and metabolize drugs unlike before, which leads to side effects like dizziness, confusion and weight gain. The management of medication should look more at effectiveness and balance with tolerability.

Factors Influencing the Trajectory of Bipolar Disorder With Age

Living with bipolar disorder is a journey marked by both triumphs and challenges.

As individuals navigate different life stages, a common question arises: How will this condition evolve over time? Will symptoms worsen, remain stable, or perhaps even change in nature?

In this section, we’ll delve into these factors, offering guidance and hope for navigating the complexities of aging with bipolar disorder.

1. Biological Factors

• Changes in brain structure — Studies suggest that chronic bipolar disorder may lead to abnormal brain areas (i.e., associated mood regulation, memory & decision-making). Such changes can cause cognitive decline and produce a worse emotional demeanor.
• Genetic Vulnerability — Some people may be more likely to have worse symptoms because of their genes. For example, those with a strong family history of serious bipolar disorder might have more mood swings as they get older and these swings might be more severe.
• Hormonal Changes — As we age, neurotransmitter levels in our brains get affected particularly serotonin and dopamine which function as important modulators for mood. The drop of these chemicals results in deep depression stages and lack of emotional sustainability.

2. Psychological Factors

• Resilience Skills — Adults with impaired coping in the older adult age group may fail to self-manage symptoms and therefore have intensified mood dysregulation/emotional suffering.
• Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders — Most elderly with bipolar disorder have concomitant disorders such as anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders. All of these can lead to a more difficult time with bipolar symptoms and potentially more hospitalizations.

3. Social Factors

• Support System — A strong family and social support network can improve emotional stability, while isolation and loneliness can worsen symptoms. Older adults without supportive relationships may be more prone to depressive episodes and cognitive decline.
• Financial and Housing Stability — Economic stress and lack of stable housing can negatively impact mental health, leading to increased anxiety, stress, and instability in mood cycles.

The things talked about in this section — sticking to treatment, other health issues, daily habits, and support from others—are very important in how bipolar disorder changes as people get older.

By focusing on these things, people can better control their symptoms and have a good life.

Does Bipolar Get Worse With Age Even If Treated?

Treatment is necessary for manic depressive illness but several have an untreated deterioration of symptoms despite continuing therapy.

The reasons behind progression could be similar even with treatment including follow these factors:

• Medication Non-Adherence Poor — Failing to take medications on time, or stopping it may result in major relapses and uncontrollable mood fluctuations.
• Substance Abuse — Consuming alcohol or using drugs can adversely affect the medications thereby aggravating both manic and depressive episodes.
• High Stress — Chronic stress activates mood episodes, and the increased strain makes it hard for elderly to manage their feelings.
• Prevailing Medical Conditions — Most of the older adults with bipolar also have one or more physical illnesses like heart conditions, diabetes and hypertension that complicate the treatment thus making emotional distress worse.

These struggles can be severely mitigated by routine psychiatric care, medication revision and behavioural changes to a far more healthy life over the long haul for bipolar.

Elderly Bipolar Treatment

Managing bipolar disorder in older adults requires a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

1. Medication Adjustments

• Mood Stabilisers — Lithium and Valproate are used to prevent really large mood shifts, stabilise moods and lessen the depth of episodes.
• Antipsychotics (atypical) — anticonvulsants that have antipsychotic properties like quetiapine and olanzapine for the purpose of severe manic or depressive episodes.
• Antidepressants — Use with caution as these may sometimes cause a ‘manic’ switch when not properly balanced by mood stabilizers.

2. Psychotherapy

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) — Help older adults learn to identify and work against nagging negative thought patterns that interfere with the ability to respond to a changing mood.
• Interpersonal and Social revolution (IPS) — designed to enhance relationships, social interactions and engagement and decrease loneliness.

3. Lifestyle Modifications

• Have a Prognomic Sleep Schedule — Lack of sleep can cause mood triggers so consistency in getting started and shutting down at the same time is key.
• Physical Activity — Exercise causes endorphins, which help balance mood and alleviate depression.
• Reducing Alcohol and Drug Use — Use interferes with meds and drink or drug abuse can make my mood worse.
• Stress Management Techniques — Practice meditation, deep breathing or mindfulness to manage the stress of life and stop emotional hijacking.

Managing bipolar disorder in older adults needs a variety of methods, including medicine, therapy, changes in daily habits, and help from others.

So, you are residing in North Bihar and anyone in your family suffering from the disorder, do let them consult Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh, the finest Psychiatrist in Patna.

Living With Bipolar in Older Age

In order to address the mental and physical needs of bipolar in older age, one needs to have a mental and physical health framework to age.

Some ways to help include:

• Building a Strong Support System — maintaining a circle of family, friends, and mental health caregiver, who you can call on for emotional support and a boost
• Annual Healthcare Screenings — Important to regularly monitor physical health; untreated physical illnesses can often exacerbate bipolar symptoms.
• Sticking to a Routine — a consistent daily structure keeps moods stable, protects against high speed emotional roller coaster.
• Staying Engaged in Life, and Purposeful Things — Whether it is pursuing hobbies of interest, volunteering or social activities with friends all contributes to one’s overall wellbeing and decreases the sense of isolation.

Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh – The Best Psychiatrist in Patna

If you come across any symptoms of bipolar disorder, then do seek help from your beloved Neuropsychiatrist in Patna Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh.

Moreover, he is a very young and faithful doctor providing the best treatments for mental health issues.

He pursued his MBBS from WHO ranked College and MD(Psychiatry) from Pune.

Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh also worked at AIIMS Patna and with all his utmost efforts worked as a personified Psychiatrist in PMCH Hospital, Patna.

He has that god gifted ability to determine the issues bubbling up in the mind and to provide the best treatments in Patna, he has also opened up his own clinic Pratap’s Neuro & Child Psychiatry Center.

Above all, he has 10 years of experience in the medical field furnishing the finest treatments.

Conclusion

Bipolar disorder does not get worse just because someone gets older, but it can be more difficult to handle when physical health declines, thinking skills decrease, and when a person feels lonely.

The path of the disorder is different for each person and is affected by many things, such as sticking to treatment, lifestyle choices, and other health issues.

Proper treatment, healthy habits, and support from others can greatly improve the lives of older people with bipolar disorder.

If you or a loved one is having a hard time with bipolar disorder as they age, getting professional help can really help.

FAQs:

1. Does Bipolar Get Worse At Night?

Bipolar disorder does not worsen at night, but several factors may lead to increased challenges.

Sleep disturbances like insomnia and disrupted circadian rhythms can worsen mood and irritability during evening hours.

Reduced daily structure and distractions can heighten awareness of mood swings.

Anxiety may increase at night, causing racing thoughts and difficulty relaxing.

Additionally, the timing and effects of medication can influence symptoms, contributing to fluctuations in mood during nighttime.

2. Does Bipolar Get Worse With Stress?

YES. Stress can worsen bipolar disorder in several ways. Stressful life events can trigger mood episodes, including manic, hypomanic, or depressive states.

Daily stressors may intensify existing symptoms, complicating mood management. Disrupted sleep patterns due to stress can further aggravate these symptoms since sleep is crucial for mood stability.

Under stress, individuals might resort to unhealthy coping methods, like substance abuse, neglecting their treatment.

Those with bipolar disorder often have an increased sensitivity to stress due to an overactive response system.

Emotional regulation is difficult, and negative thought patterns can magnify stress impacts.

3. What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Person With Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder can shorten life expectancy by 10 to 20 years compared to the general population.

While the average life expectancy is around 77 years, it may drop to about 67 for those with bipolar disorder.

However, this varies among individuals.

Factors contributing to reduced life span include a higher risk of suicide, co-existing medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and limited access to quality healthcare.

4. Does Bipolar Disorder Get Better With Age?

Age affects bipolar disorder in different ways for different people.

Studies show that manic episodes might decrease as people get older, but depressive episodes may happen more often. Older adults may also face memory and attention problems, making treatment harder.

They often have other health issues that can impact bipolar disorder. To manage it well, regular treatment, a healthy lifestyle, and good support are important.

Everyone experiences the disorder in their own way, and what feels “better” can mean different things to different people.

The goal should be to manage the disorder continuously and adjust treatment when necessary.