Older age bipolar disorder (OABD) refers to patients with bipolar disorder aged 50 years and over.
OABD forms a special more complex subgroup of bipolar disorder, with prevalent cognitive deficits, increased risk of dementia, impaired psychosocial functioning, frequent physical comorbidities, and premature death.
There are several factors associated with aging that also negatively influence outcome, such as decreasing social network size, loss of support from friends and family members, lifestyle choices, reduced mobility, increased presence of poor physical health, and other aging-related issues (source:National Institutes of Health).
The larger point of debate is, what is the general awareness in our country about such topics. Sometimes many of us take out our negative thoughts on other people even when we don’t mean it, could that be due to bipolar issues?
Depression, bipolar, schezophenia and overall mental health are extremely important areas for support, especially for those who are living with it and have no access of support systems.
Assessment methods for daily functioning in OABD are sparse, as many commonly used scales are not specifically designed for OABD. However, the Functioning Assessment Short Test for Older People (FAST-O) offers the opportunity to assess the current level of functioning in the OABD population.
Though I am not qualified or have much knowledge about this subject, however in my opinion as India is ageing fast, it will become imperative to start the research and develop practical and simple solutions.
Pankaj Mehrotra
Older Age Bipolar Disorder (OABD)
