Read about bipolar disorder in long-term care on the Managed Health Care website.
Here is the abstract provided: “Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic illness characterized by periods of mania and depression. As many as 10% of skilled nursing (SNF) residents suffer from BD. In the elderly, BD is associated with significant comorbidity—often cardiovascular and metabolic disorders—and increased mortality. Treatment of BD is complex and is generally managed by a psychiatrist, but geriatricians and the entire SNF treatment team play important roles in managing these patients. While there are few controlled studies of treatment of BD specifically in the elderly, mood stabilizers (lithium, valproate, carbamazepine, lamotrigine) remain the cornerstone of treatment. Atypical neuroleptics may also be used. Antidepressants should be used with great caution due to risks of destabilization.”
