Assessment and Management of Bipolar Disorder in Older Adults

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SPECIAL REPORT: GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY

Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by recurrent episodes of mania or hypomania and depression, as defined in the DSM-5,¹ which classifies bipolar disorder into 2 subtypes: bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder.

Bipolar I is diagnosed when an individual experiences at least 1 manic episode alongside major depressive and/or hypomanic episodes. In contrast, bipolar II is diagnosed when an individual experiences at least 1 hypomanic episode and at least 1 major depressive episode, without any manic episodes.

Although bipolar disorder is less prevalent in older adults than in younger individuals, evidence suggests that there will be a growing number of older adults with bipolar disorder in the coming decades.^2,3 Between 1980 and 1998, the frequency of late-onset bipolar disorder increased from 1% to 11%.⁴

The International Society for Bipolar Disorders Task Force defines older age bipolar disorder (OABD) as bipolar disorder that occurs in individuals 50 years and older,⁵ with a quarter of all cases of bipolar disorder occurring in those 60 years and older, and more than 10% in individuals 70 years and older.⁶ OABD has a point prevalence of 0.1% to 0.5% and a lifetime prevalence of 0.5% to 1.0%.⁷ Among older adults diagnosed with mood disorders, 10% to 25% are found to have bipolar disorder.^8,9

Presentation of OABD: Individuals with OABD often present with depression as the primary symptom rather than hypomania or mania. Their depressive episodes are typically more severe and recurrent. Unlike individuals with early onset bipolar disorder (EOBD), those with OABD often experience longer intervals between mood episodes and have a lower family history of mood disorders.^10-12

Comorbidity in OABD: OABD is associated with a higher prevalence of comorbid medical conditions, including cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and metabolic disorders. On average, individuals with OABD have 3 to 4 comorbid medical conditions, which can worsen outcomes and increase the risk of suicide.^13-16

Neurological associations: Compared with EOBD, individuals with OABD are more likely to have associations with cerebrovascular disease and other neurological disorders. Neuroimaging studies reveal increased brain abnormalities, including white-matter hyperintensities and cortical sulcal widening.^17-21

Psychiatric comorbidities: OABD is associated with common psychiatric comorbidities. The most prevalent comorbidity among individuals with OABD is alcohol use disorder, with high 12-month and lifetime prevalence rates. Other common psychiatric comorbidities include panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and dysthymia.²²

Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of OABD

Diagnosing OABD and developing a tailored treatment approach are essential for managing this condition effectively. A detailed history is imperative when assessing individuals with OABD to rule out secondary causes of mood symptoms due to medical or neurological conditions, drug interactions, or substance abuse.²³

Diagnosis: Although no specific screening tools exist for OABD, several instruments can help quantify and qualify its symptoms. These include the Mood Disorder Questionnaire and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5. Following screening, DSM-5 criteria can be used to confirm the diagnosis of bipolar disorder.²⁴

Nonpharmacological treatments: Psychotherapies for OABD have limited evidence, but medication adherence skills training and a manual-based medical care model have shown promise in improving medication adherence and overall quality of life among older individuals with bipolar disorders.^25,26

Pharmacological treatments: Treatment guidelines for OABD are generally similar to those for EOBD but require closer monitoring because of increased medical comorbidities. Common medications used to treat OABD include lithium, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).²⁷

Lithium: Lithium remains a preferred monotherapy drug for maintenance treatment in OABD. It may reduce the risk of suicide and cognitive decline in older individuals but requires careful monitoring because of the potential for adverse effects.^27-30

Anticonvulsants: Valproic acid is increasingly used in OABD, although its efficacy relative to lithium is inconclusive. Carbamazepine is an option for specific presentations of OABD. Lamotrigine is considered a good choice because of its better cognitive profile.²⁷

Antipsychotics: A variety of antipsychotics have been approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Quetiapine, lurasidone, and aripiprazole are effective options for older individuals. Care should be taken because of the risk of cerebrovascular adverse events.^31-33

Antidepressants: Although antidepressants can be helpful in reducing admissions for manic/mixed episodes, their use requires careful consideration of the risk-benefit profile because they may increase the risk of manic episodes^.34

ECT: ECT is a treatment option for severe or refractory OABD symptoms, catatonia, psychosis, suicidality, and agitation. It has been found to be safe and effective in older adults.^27,35

Treatment Algorithm

A proposed treatment algorithm for OABD suggests a minimum of a 3- to 4-week trial of an initial medication followed by possible medication combinations for nonresponders. Medication should be continued for at least 6 to 12 months in individuals who respond adequately. Inadequate medication adherence and comorbid substance use disorder can reduce treatment response.³⁶

Concluding Thoughts

OABD is a significant concern among older adults, characterized by unique presentations and comorbidities. Treatment, which includes psychotherapies and medication, must be carefully tailored for this population. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial to improving the quality of life for older individuals with bipolar disorder.

Dr Tampi is professor and chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Creighton University School of Medicine and Catholic Health Initiatives Health Behavioral Health Services in Omaha, Nebraska. He is also an adjunct professor of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine.

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