The disease is characterized by mood swings, with moments of depression and others of mania or hypomania.
March 30 is World Bipolar Disorder Day. The date was created with the aim of raising awareness of society about the stigmas associated with the disorder. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), this disease currently affects about 140 million people worldwide.
Bipolarity is a psychiatric disorder that can cause great suffering to those affected by it and to family members, friends and caregivers who constantly live with this individual. Therefore, it is important to keep up to date with the symptoms characteristic of the disease.
Bipolar in old age
According to psychologist Tais Fernandes, from Grupo Said, a caregiver company for elderly, the diagnosis occurs with greater prevalence in adolescence and adulthood; to a lesser extent, in children and the elderly, but it still happens. According to the Allan Kardec Foundation, in elderly people, the condition affects 10% to 25% of patients with mood disorders.
The disease is characterized by mood swings, with moments of depression and others of mania or hypomania. “There are two types of bipolar disorder, type I and type II; in the first, the person goes through moments of depression and mania and, in the second, there are moments of hypomania and depression”, adds the psychologist.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in the Elderly
In the episodes of depression, the elderly tend to isolate themselves, try to stay in bed more often, there is often a loss of appetite and changes in sleep. In moments of hypomania, the patient is usually happier, somewhat euphoric, with more energy than usual. “Already in mania, he has the most intense excitability and euphoria, with the risk of having behaviors that put him at risk. For these episodes to be classified within bipolarity, it is necessary that the symptoms persist for at least 4 days”.
Importance of family and caregivers
Aiming to help elderly people who are going through the disorder, Tais states that the family and caregivers need to understand that in this process they are also affected by the symptoms, since they participate in the routine and follow the course of the episodes. However, it is necessary to follow the care physicians indicated and, in cases of medication, be careful to take the medication correctly.
By Giovanna Rebelo
Source: Maxima
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