"Older people have faced ageism in mental health services, including the belief that emotional difficulties are simply a part of ageing or that change is less possible later in life. This can delay appropriate assessment, diagnosis and support."
"Bipolar disorder can be difficult to recognise in older adults. It is not uncommon for someone to receive multiple diagnoses before they are diagnosed with bipolar. Late-life bipolar will often present primarily with depressive symptoms, and therefore may be diagnosed as depression."
"Hormonal fluctuations can also act as triggers for mood episodes in those with bipolar disorder. We often see this during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause."
Older individuals often encounter ageism in mental health services, leading to misconceptions that emotional difficulties are a normal part of aging. Bipolar disorder can manifest later in life, yet it is frequently misdiagnosed as depression due to its presentation primarily with depressive symptoms. Older adults may also have additional health issues that complicate diagnosis. Hormonal changes in women can further complicate the situation, as symptoms of bipolar disorder can overlap with those of natural hormonal fluctuations, necessitating more research in this area.
Read at Psychology Today
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