1. < Mental Health

Late On Set Bipolar: Share your experiences to help a caregiver

Posted by sgoecke @sgoecke, May 18, 2023

Late-life onset of bipolar disorder from what I have read is fairly rare.
Anyone have experience with being diagnosed with late onset Bipolar or caring for a loved one? I am interesting in learning from others' experiences as we navigate the road ahead.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Mental Health Support Group.

scolio | @scolio | May 19, 2023

Do you mean your loved one has a recent diagnosis? And it sounds like probably some other conditions also?

REPLY
sgoecke | @sgoecke | May 19, 2023

Yes, my significant other had a possible chemical exposure and acute illness end of October that brought on an episode of mania at age 56. No previous history of mental health disorders/illness. He had a toxic reaction to psychotic drugs given (Risperidone) and ended up with Catatonia and drug induced parkinsonism. Once those were pulled he suffered from bipolar depression and extreme anxiety. He received 5 ECT treatments at Mayo. In total he spent 53 days input with several ER visits over a five month period. Our Mayo team indicates the diagnosis that best aligns right now is bipolar I disorder. He is now on Depakote and taking Ativan for anxiety.

He is doing well now. Stable. As a loved one and caregiver, I am interested in experiences others have with late onset diagnosis. Perhaps it doesn't differ much based on age. In general, as a caregiver what advice do you have for caring and helping someone with bipolar disorder.

REPLY
1 reply
paktoledo | @paktoledo | May 19, 2023
In reply to @sgoecke "Yes, my significant other had a possible chemical exposure and acute illness end of October that..." + (show)
@sgoecke

Yes, my significant other had a possible chemical exposure and acute illness end of October that brought on an episode of mania at age 56. No previous history of mental health disorders/illness. He had a toxic reaction to psychotic drugs given (Risperidone) and ended up with Catatonia and drug induced parkinsonism. Once those were pulled he suffered from bipolar depression and extreme anxiety. He received 5 ECT treatments at Mayo. In total he spent 53 days input with several ER visits over a five month period. Our Mayo team indicates the diagnosis that best aligns right now is bipolar I disorder. He is now on Depakote and taking Ativan for anxiety.

He is doing well now. Stable. As a loved one and caregiver, I am interested in experiences others have with late onset diagnosis. Perhaps it doesn't differ much based on age. In general, as a caregiver what advice do you have for caring and helping someone with bipolar disorder.

Jump to this post

Pm me. Pat

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.