Westchester Psychiatrist Studying Bipolar Disorder in Senior Citizens

(December 27, 2007) -- WHITE PLAINS - A Westchester psychiatrist is leading a national study that may provide valuable information to older adults with bipolar disorder and their caregivers.

Dr. Robert Young of New York Presbyterian Hospital/Westchester Division is studying the behavior and medical condition of patients 60 and older who have been treated for bipolar disorder with lithium or valproate, both common treatments.

The National Institute of Mental Health is funding the research, which has included more than 80 patients, 19 from Westchester.

Bipolar disorder - formerly called manic-depressive illness - has many forms. People with the illness often have overly excited moods and periods of deep depression or "mixed" episodes.

Symptoms include high levels of energy, going without sleep for extended periods of time, elated mood or irritability, and impulsive or reckless behavior.

Doctors have said the holiday season can be challenging for people with bipolar disorder because of overstimulation, excessive spending, disruption to schedules and the lack of sunlight.

"Although it isn't talked about much, bipolar disorder can occur across a person's life span," said Young, an Ossining resident and psychiatrist for 30 years. "We want to figure out how best to treat this in older adults who may react to the medications differently."

About 10 million Americans - or more than 3 percent of the population - have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, according to federal statistics.

There has been a striking increase in the treatment of bipolar disorder among young adults. In the past decade, diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children and teens has jumped 40-fold, a recent NIMH study said.

Most studies of the disorder have focused on younger people, but the number of senior-citizen patients with bipolar disorder is expected to grow during the next few decades as those diagnosed with the disorder age, Young said.

It is unclear why there's been a spike in bipolar-disorder cases, but researchers have indicated it may be due to an increase in awareness about mental illnesses and ways to treat them.

Young said many of his geriatric bipolar patients may have suffered from another form of depression in their younger years.

He is still seeking individuals 60 or older who are being treated for bipolar disorder to participate in the study.

Transportation can be arranged to the hospital's White Plains campus. For more information, call 914-997-4331 or 800-NYP-1902 for a free, confidential bipolar screening.

By: Candice Ferrette
Source: The Journal News

Last updated: 12/07

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