Are elderly people cranky? Does their mood rise and fall like the tide, or follow the lunar cycle?
These are the common perceptions younger people have of elderly people.
While a few may fit the mold, but they are the exception rather than the rule. A lot of old fellas are friendly, jaunty, jovial and can give a toothless smile in a snap of the fingers.
That, despite the torments they have to live with every day.
It is not easy to be old. Statistics show that 88% of adults suffer from chronic pains. If you factor in loneliness and isolation, and poor diet, it is easy to see why they can’t help but be cranky.
Or they might even be suffering from bipolar disorder.
What is bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive illness, is a mental health issue that causes mood swings – from high to low.
Aside from mood, it also causes the ebb and flow of energy, activity levels and to carry out day-to-day tasks.
The pattern of highs and lows varies for each person. Some experience episodes of highs and lows for weeks or months. Others have shorter but more frequent episodes.
Bipolar disorder can affect people of all ages. But one study shows that 10% of new cases occur after the age of 50. And this is going to increase as the population ages.
Bipolar disorder in seniors
Like depression, bipolar disorder is not a normal or natural part of aging. So far, science has not pinpointed the specific cause(s) of the disorder.
But some studies show a chemical imbalance in the brain that alters a person’s mood. And that this imbalance is a result of a combination of genes and environmental factors.
While a classic case of bipolar disorder exhibits high and low mood swings, that of seniors don’t.
Seniors exhibit “agitation and irritability,” says Michael First, M.D., a clinical psychiatry professor at Columbia University. Other symptoms among 60 yrs old and above patients are distractibility, confusion, hyperactivity, and psychosis.
Effects of bipolar disorder
As a mental health issue, if untreated, bipolar disorder will cause the following:
- long periods of feeling hopeless or helpless, or having low self-esteem.
- decreased amount of energy.
- inability to concentrate or to make simple decisions.
- changes in daily habits, such as eating and sleeping patterns.
- agitation or feeling slowed down.
Bipolar disorder risk factors
Scientists have so far been unable to determine the root cause of bipolar disorder. What they do agree is that there is no singular cause for it, but a combination of the following:
Brain structure and functioning
Scientists are currently looking at the differences of the brain structure and functioning of those with and without bipolar disorder.
Knowing more about them may lead to discovering ways to prevent the disease or better treatment options.
Genetics
Some studies suggest certain genes are more likely to develop bipolar disorder than others
But there is nothing specific about it yet. There are cases between twins where one develops the disease while the other does not.
Family history
There is ample evidence that children with a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder will also develop the illness.
Bipolar disorder triggers
Bipolar disorder can be triggered by the following:
- Stress from major life events, both positive and negative
- Lack of sleep
- Erratic schedules
- Caffeine and alcohol
- Certain medications, such as antidepressants and corticosteroids
- Seasonal changes (for example, winter can worsen depression, while summer can increase the risk of mania)
- Thyroid problems
- Substance abuse
Bipolar disorder symptoms
People with bipolar disorder experience periods of intense mood swings. They may exhibit intense activity one time, then depressive mood the next. These mood extremes have different symptoms. For example:
High mood symptoms
- Feeling of elation
- Energetic and active
- Feeling “jumpy” or excited
- Have sleep problems
- Talk fast about a lot of things
- Agitated and irritable
- Doing a lot of things at once
- Do risky things like spend a lot of money or have reckless sex
Low mood symptoms
- Feeling sad, empty, hopeless, worried
- Lethargic, no energy
- Does not do much, no activity level
- Have sleep problems
- No interest in anything
- Have trouble concentrating
- Have eating problems
- Think about death or suicide
Treating bipolar disorder
There is no known cure for bipolar disorder. But a combination of treatment options can manage its symptoms. And if diagnosed earlier, its long-term effects can be minimized.
Medications
There are different types of medications to control bipolar disorder symptoms. It’s your doctor’s call what is best for you.
It could be any of these:
- Mood stabilizers
- Atypical antipsychotics
- Antidepressants
Whatever medication you are taking, be sure to:
- Know its benefits and risks
- Tell your doctor immediately whatever side-effects it may cause
- Continue taking the entire dosage. Don’t stop without consulting with your doctor
- Report any serious side-effects to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy or “talk therapy,” is often used to treat mental health issues like depression and anxiety disorder.
It’s most effective if used in combination with medications. It can provide support, education, and guidance to people with bipolar disorder and their families.
Some of the most common therapy treatments used are:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Family-focused therapy
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy
- Psychoeducation
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Also known as electroshock therapy. This involves inducing electric seizures to patients to relieve suffering from mental disorders.
ECT provides relief to people with severe bipolar disorder. This is often used when taking medications is too risky, like in pregnant women.
But it may cause short-term side-effects like confusion, disorientation and memory loss. Discuss this treatment option with qualified health professionals before taking it.
Sleep medications
People with bipolar disorder also have trouble sleeping. In this case, sleep medications may be prescribed. If the problem persists, your doctor may prescribe sedatives or other sleep medications.
Coping with bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is an incurable disease. Once an attack sets it, stopping it is like stopping it as impossible as stopping the rising tide. But you can ride it out to cushion its effects.
First, watch your triggers. Then do the following steps:
- Avoid stress. Stress is a major attack trigger. Simplify your work and personal life. If your work requires a lot of travel and working crazy hours, switch to something less stressful. Learn stress-management techniques like yoga and meditation.
- Make a routine and stick to it. This will help control mood swings. People with bipolar disorder cannot handle changes well. Eat, exercise, sleep and do errands according to your routine.
- Get enough sleep. Over exhaustion triggers mood swings in some people. Relax before going to bed by listening to soothing music, read, or take a warm bath. Make your bedroom a relaxing and calming place to rest.
- Be active. Regular exercise improves mood. Start slowly by taking a walk around the neighborhood, or bike around. Better still, join an exercise group that does regular morning exercise. Networking with other people can do wonders for your mental health.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and drugs. These are stimulants and may keep you up at night. Cut back on coffee or soda consumption. And alcohol and other drugs may react with your medications.
- Keep a journal and write down events and stresses that trigger your bipolar disorder episodes. Take note of your sleep patterns, what you ate or drank. Over time, these will a wealth of information that can help you manage your symptoms better.
An estimated 4.4% of U.S. adults experience bipolar disorder at some time in their lives. It is an incurable disease and can have a severe effect on your health and well-being.
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