Senior Health - How To Diagnose Bipolar Disorder In Seniors

It is a complicated issue on how to diagnose bipolar disorder in seniors

. As a matter of fact, it is difficult to diagnose bipolar in any adult. The biggest problem is that many symptoms can be similar to other psychological disorders. There are a series of tests that need to be first performed before a doctor can give a diagnosis.

Seniors first need to have their doctor give them a physical exam. Your doctor will have to rule out illnesses, such as head traumas, tumors, epilepsy, AIDS, and others. If all of those turn out negative, then they will investigate further.

Next, your doctor will probably want to look at your medical history. They will check to see if you have had any other psychological problems in the past. Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and drug and alcohol abuse closely mimic the agitation and mood swings of bipolar disorder. The toughest part for doctors is to differentiate between these serious illnesses in order to make a proper diagnosis.

Researchers know that it can often be genetic, and for this reason your doctor will want to look through your family medical history, too. If someone else in your family has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, there is a good chance that you could have it, too.
Share:    

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in Seniors

Some of the classic symptoms in seniors are mood swings. They might be happy one moment and agitated and upset the next. They might be a little more tired than usual and might sleep longer. They might also have a sense of worthlessness, loss of appetite, and in more severe cases, even thoughts of suicide.

How to Diagnose Bipolar Disease in Seniors

A diagnosis is usually made when your doctor has ruled out all other psychological conditions, the frequency of the symptoms over many months, and when they cannot find any other physical reasons. The biggest downside to bipolar diagnosis is that it can take up to five years. For this reason, it is necessary to locate a physician who can differentiate between bipolar disorder and other illnesses.

Treatment for Bipolar Disease in Seniors

Doctors will usually prescribe a mood stabilizing drug. Once the patient is responding correctly to the medication, this is usually followed up by therapy. Therapy is very important, because bipolar disorder can completely change seniors' lives. They might have broken off relationships, lost their jobs, and might have even had problems with other family members over their mood swings.

How to Diagnose Bipolar Disorder in Seniors - Conclusion

Family members and friends should have more consideration for seniors with mental disorders. What someone might think is a senior's old ways, could actually be a mental illness. Any mood changes should be monitored and reported to a mental health expert.

You should now understand how to diagnose bipolar disorder in seniors. It is very important to see a doctor when your loved one has any mental disorders, so they can help get it diagnosed, and they can get on with their life. Seniors should understand that there isn't any cure for bipolar disorder, but it can be managed with the proper medicine and therapy.

by:Carrie Roberts

POST COMMENT

Robert Wagner Reverse Mortgage About Senior Healthcare How We Can Provide A Better Home Health Care To Our Seniors Eating Healthy In A Heritage Nursing Home Question & Answers On Oral Health For Senior Citizens Cardiology Checklist - 10 Simple Ways That Seniors Can Keep Their Hearts Healthy Senior Health - Benefits Of Garlic In Every Day Health Senior Health - 5 Tips On How To Deal With Denial In Aging Seniors Senior Health - Symptoms Of A Heart Attack In Senior Citizens Senior Travel - 5 Tips On How To Stay Healthy While Traveling Abroad Senior Health - How To Diagnose Bipolar Disorder In Seniors Senior Health - 7 Safe Ways To Shower Senior Citizens Nursing And Women'S Health Riding to Death: How Healthy Eating Can Improve the Health of Senior Citizens