Mania in the Geriatric Patient Population: A Review of the Literature

• Published in: The American journal of geriatric psychiatry Vol. 7; no. 3; pp. 188 - 202
• Main Authors: Van Gerpen, Marchant W., Johnson, Janet E., Winstead, Daniel K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Inc 1999; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Age of Onset; Aged - statistics & numerical data; Aged, 80 and over; Bipolar Disorder - drug therapy; Bipolar Disorder - epidemiology; Bipolar Disorder - etiology; Bipolar Disorder - metabolism; Bipolar Disorder - psychology; Brain - drug effects; Brain - pathology; Brain - physiopathology; Brain Diseases - complications; Diagnosis, Differential; Endocrine System Diseases - complications; Humans; Mental Disorders - complications; Middle Aged; Psychotropic Drugs - therapeutic use; Survival Rate
• ISSN: 1064-7481; 1545-7214
• DOI: 10.1097/00019442-199908000-00002

The diagnosis of mania in the geriatric population is uncommon. However, it comprises significant healthcare utilization and cost requirements, which are expected to increase in the near future with the projected increase in the geriatric population. The authors review literature pertaining to geriatric mania and discuss epidemiology, psychopathology, neuropathology, differential diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and outcomes. Literature searches were performed by GratefulMed for the years 1960–1997, with secondary- and tertiary-source follow-up. It is clear from this review that geriatric mania is a complex illness with many possible etiologies and treatments. Much more research needs to be conducted in all of the areas reviewed.