Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder characterized by extreme mood swings. These mood swings range from mania, or extreme excitement, to depression. Bipolar disorder often appears in a person's adolescence and early 20s, but there is now a growing focus on those diagnosed later in life.

Determination of bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder affects your mental state. It can cause episodes of mania and depression. These episodes can have a negative impact on all aspects of life.

Someone with bipolar disorder may be in a state of extreme joy or extreme despair. These episodes can change the ability to function. This, in turn, can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships, maintain jobs and live a sustainable life.

Researchers are not sure what causes bipolar disorder or why it only affects a few people. Genetics, brain function and the environment are factors that can contribute to this disorder.

Diagnosis of bipolar disorder in adults

It was once believed that bipolar disorder "diminished" throughout life. This belief is likely to have been triggered by the prevalence of diagnoses of bipolar disorder in adolescents and young adults.

Current research considers bipolar disorder that starts at age 50 or later as bipolar disorder with late onset. Between 5 and 10% of people with bipolar disorder are at least 50 years old when they first show symptoms of mania or hypomania.

It can be difficult to accurately diagnose the symptoms of bipolar disorder in adults. Symptoms are often confused with other conditions. Symptoms like psychosis, sleep disturbance and aggression can be confused with dementia or depressive disorder.

It happens that manic episodes which start late can be related to strokes, dementia or hyperthyroidism.

If you are worried that you or a relative has bipolar disorder, it is important to talk to your doctor. People of all ages can have bipolar disorder. Do not eliminate pronounced mood swings as a sign of aging.

Sources: Primary Psychiatry, Healthline