Centre for Policy on Ageing
 

 
Bipolar disorder and the elderly patient
Author(s)Charlotte O'Callaghan, Biswadeep Majumdar, Anna Richman
Journal titleGeriatric Medicine, vol 37, no 10, October 2007
Pagespp 45-52
KeywordsSchizophrenia ; Depression ; Drugs.
AnnotationOlder patients with bipolar disorder can present some of the most difficult management challenges for old age psychiatrists. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines on bipolar disorder contain few references to the management of this condition in this population group. Doctors O'Callaghan, Majumdar and Richman discuss acute depression management and long-term prophylaxis. However, lower medication doses and drug levels are required than for younger bipolar patients. A key point made is that treatment of this disorder in older patients has a very limited evidence base and more research is needed, as suicide risk is high, as it is for all age groups, but lithium does reduce this risk. (KJ/RH).
Accession NumberCPA-071105207 A
ClassmarkELK: ENR: LLD

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