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.
What is bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder in seniors
Effects of bipolar disorder
- 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
Brain structure and functioning
Genetics
Family history
Bipolar disorder triggers
- 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
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
- Mood stabilizers
- Atypical antipsychotics
- Antidepressants
- 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
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Family-focused therapy
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy
- Psychoeducation
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
ECT provides relief to people with severe bipolar disorder. This is often used when taking medications is too risky, like in pregnant women.
Sleep medications
Coping with bipolar disorder
- 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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~oOo~
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