Should You Seek Help for Seasonal Bipolar Disorder in Seniors?

Issues related to seeking treatment for bipolar disorder?

Hello, my mother is nearly 80 years old and has suspected seasonal (or cyclical) bipolar disorder.
Currently, her mental state is very good, and she is not on any medication, everything is normal.
However, six months ago, during an episode, she could sleep for more than 10 hours a day and exhibited weakness in speech and lack of energy (this is not the first occurrence).
Should she seek medical attention proactively, or wait until an episode occurs to seek treatment?

Stanley, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/10/02

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry

Hello.
The letter indicates that your mother has a medical history.
Regardless of whether she is currently on medication, continuous monitoring is necessary.
While it is certainly a good thing that her mental state is very good right now, it is still recommended that you schedule regular follow-up appointments (if you do not wish to take medication, please discuss this with the physician) to help maintain long-term stability of her condition.

Reply Date: 2018/10/02

More Info

When it comes to managing seasonal bipolar disorder, especially in seniors, proactive care is essential. Your mother's situation, where she has experienced significant depressive episodes in the past, suggests that she may be at risk for future episodes. Given her age and the nature of bipolar disorder, it is advisable to seek help before another episode occurs rather than waiting for symptoms to manifest.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that typically occurs during specific seasons, often in the winter months when daylight is limited. In older adults, this can be particularly concerning as they may already be dealing with other health issues, and the impact of mood disorders can exacerbate physical health problems. The symptoms you described—excessive sleeping, lack of energy, and diminished speech—are indicative of a depressive episode, which can be debilitating and may lead to further complications if not addressed.

Here are several reasons why seeking help proactively is beneficial:
1. Preventive Care: Engaging with a healthcare provider can help establish a preventive care plan. This might include regular check-ups, mood monitoring, and possibly medication or therapy that can help manage symptoms before they escalate.

2. Early Intervention: If your mother has a history of depressive episodes, early intervention can significantly improve outcomes. Treatment options such as psychotherapy, medication, or lifestyle changes can be implemented to help stabilize her mood and prevent future episodes.

3. Support Systems: Regular visits to a healthcare provider can also help build a support system. This is crucial for seniors who may feel isolated. A healthcare provider can connect your mother with support groups or community resources that can provide additional emotional and social support.

4. Monitoring and Adjustment: If your mother is not currently on medication, a healthcare provider can help monitor her mental health and make recommendations if her condition changes. They can also provide guidance on lifestyle modifications that can improve her overall well-being, such as exercise, diet, and sleep hygiene.

5. Education and Awareness: Understanding seasonal bipolar disorder can empower both you and your mother. Knowledge about the condition, its triggers, and management strategies can alleviate anxiety and help you both feel more in control.

6. Quality of Life: Proactive management of her mental health can lead to a better quality of life. By addressing potential issues before they become severe, your mother can maintain her independence and continue to engage in activities she enjoys.

In conclusion, it is highly recommended that you seek medical advice for your mother now, rather than waiting for another episode to occur. A healthcare professional can provide a comprehensive assessment and develop a tailored plan that addresses her specific needs. This proactive approach can help ensure that she remains stable and enjoys a better quality of life as she ages. Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health, and addressing it early can lead to better outcomes in the long run.

Similar Q&A

Is It Bipolar Disorder? Understanding Mood Swings in the Elderly

Hello Doctor: My grandmother is now in her 80s and has been experiencing a persistent issue. She often expresses that she doesn't feel very happy and lacks motivation for anything, showing little interest in activities and mostly just sitting or lying down. However, there ar...

Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. According to the symptoms described in your letter regarding your grandmother, they do resemble those of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness, and its exact cause remains unclear. It may be due to an imbala...

Caring for Elderly Bipolar Patients: Challenges and Solutions

Hello, Doctor: My mother is a patient with bipolar disorder, and she has been suffering from the illness, taking medication, and hospitalized for over ten years (though I am not sure of the exact duration, as I was not the primary caregiver before). For the past decade, she has b...

Dr. Su Zongwei reply Psychiatry
Patients with bipolar disorder have a higher likelihood of developing dementia in old age compared to the general population. The specific reasons for this are currently unclear. If this is the case, treatment and care should be approached from the perspective of dementia. Regard...

Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and Seeking Help

Hello, my father is in his 60s, and after observing his behavior for several months, we suspect he may have bipolar disorder. Below is a detailed description of his condition, and I would appreciate your response. Thank you. Around August of last year, he began to talk about th...

Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello: 1. The medication your father took, Meishuyu tablets, is typically used as a sleep aid, and the dosage is generally low, making it unlikely to trigger manic episodes. Additionally, since your father has not taken this medication since March or April of last year, and the...

Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Key Questions for Family Caregivers

Doctor: Hello! A family member developed depression over ten years ago due to work-related stress, but later stabilized after changing their focus. However, in recent years, due to work and family pressures, the depression has relapsed and progressed to bipolar disorder, with flu...

Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: 1. Prolonged bed rest needs to be evaluated to determine if it is due to medication side effects or if the depressive episode has not fully resolved. It is recommended to discuss this with a physician to rule out these causes, and also to talk with the patient about any ot...