Approximately 11% of adolescents will develop a depressive disorder by the time they reach the age of 18. But sometimes it can take years, even decades, for someone to know and learn about their mental illness or disorder.
This is especially true when signs of a person’s aging process and symptoms of mental illness become confused with one another.
Late Onset Bipolar Disorder
Symptoms of bipolar disorder typically manifest when a person is between the ages of 15 and 24. But symptoms can also worsen over time, especially without therapy.
If you’ve been able to manage your symptoms in the past or if you’ve been misdiagnosed, there’s a chance you may not be aware of your mental illness until your symptoms worsen with age.
For instance, mania in younger patients may present itself as euphoric moods and grandiosity. Mania in elderly patients may present itself as a mixture of manic symptoms and depressive symptoms including a reduced need for sleep and pressured speech.
What Are The Steps I Can Take To Manage Late Onset Bipolar Disorder?
It can be difficult to accurately diagnose bipolar disorder in adults, especially elderly adults. This is because many illnesses that affect elderly patients share similar symptoms.
If you believe you might have bipolar disorder, there are a few steps you can take to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
First, start by visiting a healthcare provider. Because the symptoms of bipolar disorder can also be attributed to other illnesses, it’s important to first ensure you’re not suffering from an illness.
Your healthcare provider can test you for any illnesses and talk to you about medication side-effects that may be causing bipolar-like symptoms.
Next, talk to a mental health professional. If your healthcare provider has determined your symptoms aren’t being caused by an illness or prescription, it may be worth visiting a mental health professional.
Psychiatric doctors can help you understand your symptoms. You can also get the treatment you need to continue living a healthy life.
NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals can provide different types of treatment and therapy including family therapy and art therapy for a variety of different mental illnesses and disorders. To learn more about family therapy, psychiatric care, and what goes into our psychiatric acute treatment programs, contact NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals today.