Sometimes referred to as major depressive illness, bipolar disorder is a complex neurological condition that causes changes in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function on a day-to-day basis. It is typically a life-lasting medical condition and most patients require some combination of medication and therapy.
For senior citizens who are dealing with the negative effects of bipolar disorder, high-quality and effective health services are deserved. Qualified applicants may be eligible to receive EEOICPA and RECA benefits to better cope with their bipolar disorder.
Understanding the Condition: What is Bipolar Disorder?
As described by the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar disorder is a mental health issue that causes “unusual shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels.” As a general matter, bipolar disorder is diagnosed as bipolar I disorder or bipolar II disorder.
Bipolar I disorder
– is the more severe of the two diagnoses. With bipolar I, the patient often exhibits well-defined periods of mania and well-defined major depressive episodes. It is not uncommon for a person who is dealing with bipolar I disorder to occasionally require hospitalization due to the severity of their condition.
Bipolar II disorder
–is a somewhat less pronounced version of this mental health disorder. Patients who are dealing with bipolar II disorder often experience the same general symptoms as those with bipolar I disorder but without full-blown mania or full-blown depression. That being said, bipolar II is still a serious mental issue that requires intervention.
Bipolar disorder is a complex medical condition and it can change over time. Though a person may receive an official diagnosis, the line between bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder is often a fuzzy one. Beyond that, the severity of a person’s mental health issue could get better or worse as they age.
How to Treat Bipolar Disorder in the Elderly
Bipolar disorder is far from rare. According to data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 2.6 percent of adults in the United States suffer from bipolar disorder. This mental health issue affects people of all ages, races, genders, and economic backgrounds. For all patients, proper healthcare treatment is a must. If you believe that your elderly loved one is dealing with bipolar disorder, you should ensure that:
- The mental health condition has been reviewed and diagnosed by a qualified professional;
- They are able to take their medication in a precise manner that was prescribed by a doctor;
- They receive any non-pharmaceutical, therapeutic interventions that have been recommended by professionals; and
- They live in a happy, secure, and healthy day-to-day environment.
Ultimately, the best way to treat bipolar disorder or any other similar mental health issue is to ensure that the patient receives attentive care that has been personalized to meet their unique individual needs. The treatment plan that works well for one patient may simply not be all that effective for another patient. Always keep a close watch on an older adult who has bipolar disorder. Every person deserves comprehensive, high-quality care.